| Tottenham boosted by Modric all-clear It is a good job Harry Redknapp is a glass half‑full type of guy. Tottenham Hotspur limp into the European date away to Werder Bremen tomorrow on the back of successive disappointing results in the Premier League and with half a team unfit. But their manager is a chirpy character and remains resolutely upbeat.Spurs' start to the domestic season is in stark contrast to last year, when they came flying out of the traps with four successive wins. This time their first four league matches have yielded only five points and include defeat at home to Wigan Athletic as well as Saturday's draw at unfancied West Bromwich Albion.It is too early for real concern, of course, and Tottenham are light years away from the dark days of 2008, when they managed two points from their first eight games. But Redknapp could do without a lengthening injury list which now includes their star midfielder Luka Modric.It was feared the Croatian might have broken the same leg he fractured last season after limping out of this stalemate. Yet scans have revealed no long‑term damage and, though he will make the trip to Bremen, it is unlikely he will be fit to play.Heurelho Gomes, Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe are already on the sidelines on top of the previously daunting challenges facing Redknapp's medical department represented by Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate.Casualties will not be the manager's only worry in Germany. In selecting his team for the resumption of the Champions League campaign he also has to consider the imperfect condition of his latest signings, William Gallas and Rafael van der Vaart, both of whom lack match practice and ran out of steam at The Hawthorns.Keen to accentuate the positive, Redknapp preferred to talk up the prospect of Modric and Van der Vaart eventually supplying the ammunition for Defoe. The three of them playing together was "going to be clever", he said. In the meantime Spurs would tweak the fluid 4-5-1 formation they used on Saturday, possibly by pushing Gareth Bale forward from left-back into midfield, restoring King in central defence and reintroducing Peter Crouch to the exclusion of Roman Pavlyuchenko.None of their strikers has scored in the Premier League to date and Crouch and Robbie Keane both seem more likely to remedy that situation than the enigmatic Russian. Spurs began well and threatened to outclass their promoted opponents in much the same way that Chelsea had done in winning 6-0 on the opening day.Aaron Lennon, set up by Van der Vaart's backheel, might have scored before Modric did so, in the 27th minute. Again Van der Vaart was the provider, with a left‑footed cross from the right for Modric to drill home. Tottenham's rhythm was then disrupted when Modric limped off, but Albion remained second best until just before half-time.Then, with Gallas in dressing‑room parlance already breathing through his backside, Marc Antoine FortunĂ© surged past him on the outside before firing in a shot which Carlo Cudicini could only block. In the ensuing mĂŞlĂ©e Chris Brunt nodded the ball over the line and, confidence suddenly coursing, the also-rans were transformed.Bale might have restored Tottenham's lead early in the second half, when Scott Carson denied him, but it was Spurs who were clinging on by the end, in danger of conceding three times in the last five minutes. Cudicini's reflexes and agility and a remarkable miss by Gabriel Tamas spared them another defeat but West Brom justifiably considered themselves unlucky.Man of the match Rafael Van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur)Premier LeagueWest BromTottenham HotspurHarry RedknappJoe Lovejoyguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Joe Torre won't return as Dodgers manager; Don Mattingly to replace him The Los Angeles Times is reporting today that Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly will replace Joe Torre as manager. rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
Inquest opens into death of rugby league star Terry Newton • Inquest told Newton was found collapsed at home in Wigan• Cortege to pass DW Stadium on the way to funeral next FridayThe inquest into the death of Terry Newton was today opened and adjourned. Newton, 31, a former Great Britain rugby league international, was found hanged at his home in Wigan last Sunday.He was sacked by Wakefield this year after being suspended for two years for using a performance-enhancing drug.It is thought Newton took his own life after becoming depressed over his career and private life.During a five‑minute hearing at Bolton coroner's court, the inquest was adjourned until 20 December. No family members were present.Sylvia Berry, a coroner's officer, read a short statement to the deputy coroner, Alan Walsh. Berry said Newton had been found in a collapsed condition at his home on 26 September and a paramedic had confirmed death.His father, Anthony, had identified Newton's body at Wigan Infirmary. Further inquiries about the death were being made.Berry said: "Terry Anthony Newton was 31. He was a publican and professional sportsman and husband to Stacey Newton."Walsh said: "I am satisfied there are no inquiries which would prevent the release of his body to his family for funeral purposes."Newton, a father of two young girls, was one of the more colourful characters in the game. A hooker who played for Leeds, Wigan – his hometown club – and Bradford, he represented Great Britain 15 times, scoring three tries. He also won five England caps.His career crumbled when he tested positive for a banned substance in November last year during pre-season training with Wakefield.Newton's funeral will take place in Wigan next Friday, 8 October. His coffin will be driven past the DW Stadium at around 1.30pm on the way to his burial at St John's Church of England church in Pemberton.His father has asked for only family flowers, but donations can be made through the family to the Butterflies charity.Rugby leagueWakefield Trinityguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Chris Lieto diary: Family time before Ironman Championship With the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship only days away, the theme of the last few days have been rest and sharpening. Each day is different, ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
Yankees survive with 7-2 win vs. Rangers, force Game 6 Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano hit consecutive homers to build an early cushion, CC Sabathia made the lead stand up and the New York Yankees ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |