PORTSMOUTH — A judge on Wednesday effectively dismissed a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former Portsmouth City Assessor Patrick Dorris, who sued both Mayor Shannon Glover and Councilman Bill Moody individually and in their official capacity. Dorris, whom the City Council fired in a 5-1 vote last spring, filed a $5.35 million lawsuit in Portsmouth Circuit Court in April alleging his termination was retaliatory as he refused to follow unlawful directives from Glover and Moody for assessing taxes on a private golf course. City assessors are among the handful of positions appointed by City Council that can also be terminated by a vote in a public meeting. Dorris was appointed to the position in September 2021 on a 4-3 vote. Glover and Moody didn’t support the appointment then, and both voted in support to terminate him. Upon his termination, Dorris was granted $57,224, or about six months worth of severance . Amid his termination, Dorris had shared with the council that the city did not collect real estate taxes from the Elizabeth Manor Golf and Country Club for almost two decades until Dorris’ time as assessor. The 18-hole course of roughly 140 acres was supposed to have its taxes lowered under an open-space agreement with the city. But records previously obtained by The Virginian-Pilot show that since at least 2003, the golf course had all of its taxes abated and wasn’t charged the lowered rate until 2022. Dorris’ lawsuit alleges his termination was the result of not abiding by directives from Glover and Moody to not tax the golf course. He also alleged that days before he was fired, Glover “demanded the assessment” of Rivers Casino Portsmouth using building permit values, which Dorris expressed was an unreliable method for determining value. Glover, who was present at the hearing, was represented by Brian Casey. Moody was represented by James Cales III. Both attorneys argued that neither Glover nor Moody had the authority to terminate Dorris alone as it required a full vote from the City Council. Judge Randall Smith, who’s retired, was appointed to the case after Portsmouth judges recused themselves. At Wednesday’s hearing in Portsmouth Circuit Court, Smith ultimately upheld the defense’s arguments, effectively dismissing the case. Since Dorris’ initial filing in April, his complaint was amended to include a new claim that Dorris was terminated in retaliation for reporting to the City Council that certain city employees refused to perform their employment duties of assessing and taxing city property. In the hearing, Dorris’ attorney, Verbena Askew, argued that it was a First Amendment right violation, and likened Glover and Moody to “bad actors” because they violated public policy to protect city employees who voice concerns, such as misconduct. She added that because of the reasoning behind their vote to terminate, they can be held liable for the termination. In a rebuttal to Askew’s “bad actors” argument, Smith said the case might require the court to seemingly probe the minds of the other council members who voted in support to fire Dorris. He also said it might mean going behind the City Council’s back on a vote they made. Smith said Dorris might have lost his license as a result of carrying out his alleged directive from Glover and Moody but that it didn’t necessarily equate to a criminal act. Askew asked for another opportunity to amend Dorris’ complaint to further specify the alleged criminal act and include the city as a defendant, arguing that Glover and Moody are agents of the city and that the intention was to go after “the bad actors.” She also argued that had Glover and Moody not met with Dorris, he wouldn’t have been fired. Smith said he was sympathetic to Dorris’ situation, but that it didn’t fall within the narrow set of exceptions in Virginia’s at-will employment laws. He believed amending the complaint would result in a “moot point.” After the hearing, Dorris, Casey and Cales declined to comment. Askew told The Virginian-Pilot they’d be appealing. Glover said he was glad the case was over. Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.comOKC Thunder coach shares high praise for Ime Udoka, and picks out ‘very scrappy player’ among Houston Rockets stars
Seadrill Announces Sale of Jack-Up West Prospero(BPT) - Every year, roughly 20-30% of older Americans head to warmer climates for the colder winter months. Snowbirds are often retirees on fixed incomes, though flexible work environments now provide more opportunities for anyone to spend several months escaping the chill. Whether on a fixed income or an empty nester with disposable income, consumers are interested in saving money where they can. With this in mind, snowbirds can look to their AARP membership to take advantage of relevant discounts and offerings as they fluff their feathers and get ready for takeoff. From savory breakfast options while driving to your seasonal destination, to home and auto protection, and even resources to support mental and physical health, AARP member benefits offer deals and savings that will help snowbirds take flight this winter. "Spending winters in warmer places has so many benefits that come with being able to be outside more often. Warmth and sunlight not only increase serotonin levels , which can result in more positive moods and a calm, focused mental outlook, but they also stimulate vitamin D production and may even boost immunity ," said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. "An AARP membership makes it even better by offering savings as you plan your trip, as well as at many dining, entertainment and retail locations you will come across in your winter getaway destination, helping you to enjoy it to the fullest." 1. Order Up Road trips are often the preferred way to travel to a winter home for the flexibility of having a car once there. Whether your drive will have you behind the wheel for hours or days, you'll want to make sure you have your meals planned out. Fill up with a tasty breakfast or lunch with a stop at Denny's, which is easy to spot from most major highways. AARP members can save when heading to Denny's . With over 1,500 locations nationwide, members save 15% on everything from diner classics to breakfast items every day; maximum discount not to exceed $10. Restrictions apply. 2. Primary Care from Almost Anywhere Feeling under the weather can put a damper on your winter travels, so it's a good idea to make sure you can access quality healthcare even when you're at your winter destination. If you are on Medicare, you can check whether there is an Oak Street Health primary care clinic near you. Oak Street Health , the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health clinic. 3. Wellness Checklist Once you check off primary care needs for your winter destination, don't overlook other priorities like maintaining your prescriptions and protecting your vision. Start by making sure your prescriptions are up to date before you head out of town. If you do need a refill while you're away, you have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP ® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx ® that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. You do not need to be an AARP member to take advantage of these benefits, though AARP members receive additional perks, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more. If you're having trouble with your vision, want to update your sunglass prescription, or simply want to maintain your annual visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist while away, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 4. Home (Safety) Away from Home One thing that should always be a priority is keeping your home safe while you're away for the winter. While Neighborhood Watch is always helpful, long periods away from a home require additional security systems. With an AARP membership, homeowners can secure their homes for less. Members save 5% on monthly home security monitoring with ADT Home Security , which covers smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation for video doorbells, security cameras and smart locks. 5. Pack Auto Coverage in Your Luggage Driving south for the winter? Utilize AARP member benefits to save on auto care so you can road trip worry free. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside Assistance plans, which provides access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Allstate Roadside plan benefits can be used 24/7 in any car you drive, including rented and borrowed ones. And, if you want to bring any personal items with you but don't have room to squeeze them in your car, Budget Truck Rental has a variety of trucks for you to choose from. AARP members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver. Regardless of how you're traveling or spending your winter months, AARP member benefits can help you maximize your budget while you prioritize the things that matter. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, please visit aarp.org/save . AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:19 p.m. EST
The 15 best beauty buys this year as chosen by YOU (and they start from just £1.22!) Hannah Betts announces the results of Inspire's 2024 Beauty Awards READ MORE: Look chic (not cheap) in sequins: Tess Daly's stylist reveals the golden rules for Strictly showstopping sparkle By HANNAH BETTS FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 16:37 EST, 22 December 2024 | Updated: 16:37 EST, 22 December 2024 e-mail View comments What's your favourite Christmas custom? Decorating the tree? A trip to see the lights? Hanging up stockings, perhaps? Regular readers will know that I'm not a huge fan of Yule. My treat to myself next week will be a solo expedition to see Lesley Manville in Oedipus – hardly festive japes. However, there is one tradition that does spark joy for me and that is Inspire's annual beauty awards (along with – I admit it – the suitably dour In the Bleak Midwinter). I adore this festive ritual, a celebration of glamour in which we sift through the year's best beauty boosters. There is no finer feedback on my daubing, spritzing and column-writing year than this collective demonstration of how you feel about it all. And it appears you love this annual deep dive as much as I do, as you voted in your thousands, delivering your verdicts on the very best in beauty. After all, whatever myself and the other judges think, it is your opinion that really matters. The 15 winners of the Inspire Beauty Award's have been revealed Your pick of the crop features classic, old and new Well, the results are in for 2024 – and how utterly fascinating they are. Your pick of the crop features classics, old and new. Under 'old', we have veterans such as Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (£65 for 30ml, Boots.com) , the 'little brown bottle' launched in 1982 as the world's first night serum, and, by day, Clinique Moisture Surge (£26 for 30ml) , born six years later, and since spun off into a host of hydrating incarnations. While, by way of the new, you applaud Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation (£43 ) and Glossier Boy Brow Arch ( £24, uk.glossier.com) , two of the most exciting cosmetic formulas of 2024, both of which hit the shelves in August. Judge and columnist Hannah Betts You are strong on high-street heroes such as Vaseline, Batiste, CeraVe, Kiko and Max Factor. Presumably, this is because you, like me, are spending cautiously and looking after your hard-earned cash. You understand that make-up remover stays on your skin for seconds and is a good product to save on, backing CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (£12.50 for 236ml, Boots.com) as the winner, closely followed by Garnier Micellar Water (£3.15 for 100ml). Many of us are still strictly budgeting, knowing that in our bargain dry shampoo, lip salve and cleanser, we're also buying the best. That said, yours is a high/low spending philosophy and you also appreciate the morale-boosting impact of acquiring some humdinger at a more indulgent price. THE WINNERS: IN FULL Winner: Foundation/base Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation £43 Shop Winner: Eyeliner Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner £16 Shop Winner: Eyeshadow Kiko High Pigment Eyeshadow £7.49 Shop Winner: Mascara Max factor masterpiece mascara £12.99 Shop Winner: Brow product Glossier Boy Brow Arch £24 Shop Winner: Blusher/bronzer Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks £32 Shop Winner: Lip product Vaseline rosy lips £1.22 Shop Winner: Cleanser Cerave Hydrating Cleanser £12.50 Shop Winner: Day cream/serum Clinique Moisture Surge £28 Shop Winner: Night treatment Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair £65 Shop Winner: Hair hero Batiste Dry Shampoo £3.44 Shop Winner: Beauty tool Tweezerman Slant Tweezers £14 Shop Winner: Bath or shower product Olverum Bath Oil £43.50 Shop Winner: Body/lotion or cream Every & One Multi-tasking Cream £30 Shop Winner: Nail favourite Leighton Denny Nail Polish £12.50 Shop Most thrillingly, my beloved Olverum Bath Oil (from £43.50, libertylondon.com) topped the poll. Meaning 'true oil', and created by a German pharmacologist and a winemaker in 1931, this venerable aromatherapeutic concoction was once a luxury known only to a select few. Its precise formula is a fiercely-guarded secret, but acolytes swear by its therapeutic fusion of eucalyptus, juniper, lime, lemon peel, geranium, Siberian fir needle and rosemary to soothe body and soul. Eight decades after its creation, Mayfair's Barbers by Royal Appointment, Truefitt & Hill, had been asked to carry a small number of bottles for the Royal Household. Naturally, it never revealed who is the blue-blooded Olverum fan. Meaning 'true oil', Olverum was created by a German pharmacologist and a winemaker in 1931 The Hawksley family, founders of beautiful Belgravia perfumer Les Senteurs, came across Olverum in Truefitt & Hill, buying, then relaunching the brand in 2015. A 250ml flacon (£78, libertylondon.com) should see you through fifty baths. I have my eye on the two for £124 offer at bathandunwind.com, or, rather, I hope the supplier of my Christmas stocking does. If you'll allow me a little light trend spotting, your approach to foundation is exemplary. Your winner, Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation (£43, Boots.com) , really is sensational: a 53-shade, 'real' skin, no-make-up make-up, managing to look even better at the end of a long day than it did at the beginning. It's a youth-in-a-bottle wonder. If you are yet to try it, I suggest you invest. However, the runner up in this category, e.l.f.'s's Halo Glow Liquid Filter Complexion (£15, Boots.com ) is a clever choice too, widely regarded as a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (£39, charlottetilbury.com) , one of which sells every two minutes. Both are skincare/make-up hybrids, glow boosters providing a dewy, soft-focus effect across 12 shades. You pays your money, you makes your choice. Whatever this choice, please use your complexion enhancer on top of the Clinique Moisture Surge variant with SPF 25 in it ( £28 for 30ml, boots.com) for daily damage protection, swapping it for something with SPF 50 during sunnier months. You're also a fan of modish kajal liners, Victoria Beckham and Hildun dominating the eye pencil category with 37 per cent to last year's winner, Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner (£32, victoriabeckhambeauty.com) , and 46 per cent to this year's victor, new-broom Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liner (£16, hildunbeauty.co.uk) . Who better than Hildun founder, former beauty journalist Suzy Griffin Dunne, to explain what the term means? Suzy's independent Irish company, Hildun, was founded in 2022 She told me: 'Kajal is a traditional eye make-up that originated in ancient Egypt and the Indian subcontinent. It has a soft and silky texture that glides smoothly on the outer and inner lids. It's great for creating natural, subtle and smoky looks, in addition to defining the waterline. The result is gentle, nourishing and gorgeously richly-pigmented.' Suzy's independent Irish company was founded in 2022. She made it her mission to incorporate key features from the most luxurious cosmetics in the world into Hildun, but at more affordable prices. Your winning £16 Kajal Liners were introduced as part of the brand's first collection. More shades will be added to the current seven in 2025. Their quality is exceptional, obviously rivalling premium brands. What is more, application is super easy, the pigment gliding effortlessly on, then lasting. I have Silk to Set in Navy Nights and Immortal Metallic Eyeliner in Silver on as I type and have to keep pausing to admire myself. The best-selling shades are the browns Pecan and Chocolate, and, as my fellow judge and Hildun champion Ruby Hammer tells us, the industry's professional arm went wild for them. The royal family's make-up artist, Hannah Martin, loved the formula so much she joined forces to create her very own Hildun liner, a sister shade to Pecan, 'Spiced Pecan' which launched in June 2024 and also became a top-seller. Reading between the lines, your overall approach to make-up – your aesthetic, if you will - is beautifully bang up-to-date. You're happy with a barely-there, naturally-augmented look when it comes to mascara and lips, falling back onto high-street basics Max Factor and rosy-tinted Vaseline. However, you add definition, artistry and individual flourish with high-tech blusher - ragingly fashionable in 2024 – in the form of Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks (£32, bobbibrown.co.uk) , a famously flattering bestseller. Leighton Denny nail polish in shade 'Provocative' Your other great modernising touch is another of my joys of '24, Glossier Boy Brow Arch (£24, uk.glossier.com) . This new phenomenon is the natural-look dream: with a precision tip for hair-like strokes and flat side to fill gaps, long-lasting, water-, smudge- and hot flash-resistant. Good news for the overplucked of the Seventies or Nineties eras, it also comes in grey. Proof, were one to require it, that Glossier is not merely a millennial and Gen Z obsession, but for beauty lovers of all ages. No less reflective of your supreme taste is your penchant for Leighton Denny nail varnish. Mr Denny was the first manicure guru to score an MBE for his great British brilliance. His shades are seriously fabulous: I'll be wearing the limited-edition Opaque Metallic Varnish in Raspberry Crush (£12.50, leightondenny.com) over Yule. But, I also relish the ease of his plant-based, brightening treatment, Nail Illuminator Milky Brightening Nail Polish & Base Coat (£14, leightondenny.com) for the chic, 'no make-up make-up' nail that took flight this year. Meanwhile, I insist that you add all our worthy winners to your Christmas list and wish you an extremely beautiful New Year. Our expert judges verdicts... Millie Kendall, British Beauty Council CEO Millie Kendall, British Beauty Council CEO Whether as a brand founder, consultant or PR, Millie, who is the CEO of the British Beauty Council, has been involved in the industry for almost 40 years. I think this year's results, with wins for Max Factor and Bobbi Brown, and tried and tested products from well-known brands, such as Clinique Moisture Surge and Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair, really reflect what I said a few weeks ago. This year we've seen businesses doubling down on the classics, and selling the consumer what she wants — and what she knows works. Yes, you might see Advanced Night Repair beautifully repackaged throughout the year, or given the occasional upgrade as science moves on but Estee Lauder know better than to mess too much with a formula that's been delighting women since 1982. I'm not a big fan of newness for the sake of it. As the co-founder of the Sustainable Beauty Coalition it would be remiss of me to constantly push new things. But that aside I do think there's something really wonderful about iconic and classic products that have become icons for a reason. Because they work, and because nothing better has superseded them. I'm thrilled to see them triumph here. Ruby Hammer MBE Ruby Hammer MBE Make-up artist Ruby, 61, has been a mainstay of the beauty world since the 1980s and launched her beauty range, Ruby Hammer, in 2019. There was me thinking that I was sharing an insider secret when I raved about Hildun eye pencils, and it turns out I'm not the only one to think that they're brilliant. They must be the worst kept secret in the beauty industry judging by how many of you voted for them, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that. But then they're reasonably priced and tick all the boxes, so they're very well deserved winners. This is the second year in a row that Cerave Hydrating Cleanser has won in the cleanser category and that really doesn't surprise me. I used to buy this stuff in the US before it came to the UK and I'm so pleased that it's now available in Boots, Superdrug and every pharmacy up and down the country. It's a wonderful, gentle cleanser for all ages — not just menopausal skin or teens — and a bathroom cabinet staple. And Tweezerman tweezers are another classic. I helped launch them in the UK back in the 1990s and brows have been at the forefront of beauty since. Everyone needs a quality pair of tweezers and I don't think you get better than these. Another worthy winner. rubyhammer.com Katherine Spenley, Inspire Editor Katherine Spenley, Inspire Editor Inspire editor Katherine lives in London with her husband Anthony. As a high/low shopping addict, I'm thrilled to see a crop of brilliant bargains among this year's winners. I have a tin of Vaseline Rosy Lips in every handbag – a make-up artist once told me to dab a little over lipstick to refresh a fading pout without the faff of topping up a vivid colour (great when there's no time to reapply a statement lip without risking smudges!). A solid all-rounder, it's also good alone on a no make-up make-up day . Other subtle, but brilliant, choices include Glossier's Boy Brow Arch. I like an understated eyebrow, and this is great for filling any gaps and giving a really natural result. Along with Hannah and Ruby I'm delighted for Hildun. I find eyeliner tricky to apply, and this really does glide on without pulling, then stays put! (I take mine off with Garnier Micellar Water, which just missed out on a podium place and is a very worthy runner-up). Advertisement Share or comment on this article: The 15 best beauty buys this year as chosen by YOU (and they start from just £1.22!) e-mail Add commentHeaded South for Winter? 5 Tips for Snowbirds About to Take Flight
Article content There is a decidedly Edmonton flavour to the St. Louis Blues roster this season. Edmonton Oilers fans know all too well how the Blues poached a couple of up-and-comers with offer sheets on playoff-proven prospects Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg that went unmatched over the off-season. And then there’s St. Albert’s own Colton Parayko, the hulking six-foot-six, 228-pounder who patrols the Blues blueline on the top pairing with Broberg. Holloway, meanwhile, landed squarely on the Blues second line, where he came into Saturday’s game against the Oilers tied for second in team scoring with 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) in 27 games. But it is Jake Neighbours who has earned a chance to take centre stage with the Blues this season, rising to the top line alongside Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich. “We’ve got quite a few Edmonton guys, it’s a nice trip for us,” said Neighbours, who played his entire junior career with the Edmonton Oil Kings, earning 176 points (60 goals, 116 assists) in 171 Western Hockey League games, culminating in a league championship while serving as team captain in his final season. The crew will spend some extra time in their old stomping grounds, with the Blues hanging around Edmonton to avoid the insanity (and high hotel prices) of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour stop in Vancouver, where they will face the Canucks on Tuesday. “I was out for dinner with family last night and my (former) billets will be at the game today and I’ll say hi to them after,” said Neighbours. “I’ve got a bunch of family here, so I’ll probably hang out with them a bit after the game tonight and I think most of them will head home tomorrow. “Then I’ll be coming to the Oil Kings game tomorrow.” It will be his first time taking in a game since he last suited up for them. “I haven’t watched them play since we won. It will be nice,” said Neighbours, who never misses an opportunity to take a stroll down memory lane whenever the Blues bring him back to Rogers Place. “Going to the (Oil Kings) room, there’s a lot of memories and pictures in there and stuff. Obviously the rink, winning here and seeing the banner up there. A lot of good memories. “So, it’s definitely nice to come back.” At the same time, Neighbours continues to keep his sights set fully on the future. On the heels of a breakthrough 2023-24 season with 38 points (27 goals, 11 assists), the 22-year-old native of Airdrie signed a two-year, $7.5 million extension with the Blues on Oct. 22. “He’s just a real detailed player, he’s a hard-nosed player,” said Blues head coach Jim Montgomery. “I guess the best compliment I can give any player is, he’s a hockey player. “He knows what it takes to do the little things to help the team win.” What his coach calls little things, Neighbours takes to mean as anything and everything he can do. “I think I just kind of found a good role here,” he said. “It kind of started last year just going to the net lots. I watched a lot of Zach Hyman and think I can play a lot like him. “I play with an elite passer in Robby Thomas, who is great at finding guys. So, I just kind of found a good role for myself at the net front, and I try and stay there a lot and it’s been working.” Playing net front is far from the easiest job on the ice. And it’s something he’s had to work for to even get a shot at in the first place. “Coming into last year, I started on the fourth line and just kind of worked my way up and continued to work hard at it and work on my game,” Neighbours said. “I finally got an opportunity 20 games into the season and just tried to capitalize on it.” And that’s where his time with the Oil Kings started paying off. “It was kind of a similar thing for me in junior, I started lower in the lineup and had to work my way up,” Neighbours said. “And I think that’s how it goes for most hockey players. Moving up in the ranks from junior to pro, nothing’s given to you, you’ve got to earn it. “I think I just learned that in junior and knew it would be the same in pro. And obviously being around NHL players all throughout my junior career and seeing how they operate and all that kind of stuff definitely helps.” There are differences, of course, in the Edmonton Neighbours experienced compared to that of his other teammates who made their way through this city. “I think playing junior in Edmonton and pro in Edmonton is a lot different,” Neighbours said. “So, I think my and Holly’s stories are a bit different. “Mine are all bus rides and stuff like that, his are all dinners and fun stuff.” E-mail: gmoddejonge@postmedia.com On Twitter: @GerryModdejongeAnge Postecoglou knows the next month will be “significant” for Tottenham, but is confident they will improve and not be mid-table at Christmas. Spurs travel to Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday reeling from a disappointing home loss to Ipswich before the international break. The club’s problems have multiplied during the past fortnight with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur handed a seven-match domestic ban on Monday and Cristian Romero (toe) joining a lengthy list of absentees. However, Postecoglou remains bullish about Tottenham’s progress and acutely aware of the scrutiny set to come his way if they stay 10th. “Christmas is a joyous occasion, irrespective, and I think it should be celebrated. If we’re still 10th then people won’t be happy, I won’t be happy, but we might not be 10th,” Postecoglou pointed out before nine games in 30 days. “Certainly for us I think it’s a significant period because you look at those games and we’ve got the league where we’ve got to improve our position and a couple of important European fixtures that can set us up for the back half of the year, also a Carabao Cup quarter-final. “At the end of that period we could be in a decent position for a strong second half of the year, so for us it is an important period. “You know there’s no more international breaks, so the full focus is here. You can build some momentum through that, or if things don’t go well you could get yourself into a bit of a grind. Ready for #MCITOT 👊 Go behind the scenes of training ahead of our trip to Manchester 🎥⤵️ pic.twitter.com/4jFZTCIwSz — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 22, 2024 “Of course if we had beaten Ipswich, we’d be third and I reckon this press conference would be much different wouldn’t it? “I’m not going to let my life be dictated by one result, I’m sorry. I take a wider perspective on these things because I know how fickle it can be, but we need to address our position for sure. “And if we’re 10th at Christmas, yeah it won’t be great. There’d be a lot of scrutiny and probably a lot of scrutiny around me, which is fair enough, but that’s not where I plan for us to be.” Tottenham’s immediate efforts to move up the table will require them ending City’s two-year unbeaten home run in the Premier League. The champions have lost their last four matches in all competitions, but have some key personnel back for Saturday’s clash and will aim to toast Pep Guardiola’s new contract with a victory. Postecoglou was pleased to see Guardiola commit to a further two seasons in England, adding: “I love the fact that there’s a massive target out there that can seem insurmountable. “I look at it the other way. I go, ‘imagine if you knock him off, that’d be something’. “I’m at the stage of my life where I’d rather have the chance of knocking him off than missing that opportunity. “When greatness is around, you want to be around it. And hopefully it challenges you to be like that as well.” Saturday’s fixture will be Postecoglou’s 50th league game in charge of Spurs and he knows what is required to bring up three figures. A post shared by Premier League (@premierleague) “No European football, significant player turnover, change of playing style. Where did I think we’d be after 50 games? God knows. “It could have been a whole lot worse, but when you look at it in the current prism of we’re 10th, you’re going ‘it doesn’t look good’ and I understand that and we have to improve that. “But over the 50 games, I think there’s enough there that shows we are progressing as a team and we are developing into the team we want. “The key is the next 50 games, if they can be in totality better than the first 50? First, that means I’m here but second, I think we’ll be in a good space.”
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SANTA CLARA — Jake Moody missed another goal attempt in Week 17, setting social media and talk radio ablaze. Time for the 49ers to get a new kicker, or at the very least some competition during training camp in 2025. Not necessarily, even if coach Kyle Shanahan threw his tablet on the sidelines in frustration after Moody missed a 41-yard attempt in a 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins. “I believe we’ve got the right guy,” Shanahan said Thursday as the 49ers (6-9) began preparations to host the Detroit Lions (13-2). “He’s showed that at times. I thought he showed that at times in his rookie year. I thought he showed that in being 12 of 13 to start the year and I think he’ll show that in the future.” But rest assured that Moody will be watched closely to see how he performs in the final two weeks of the season, beginning with a spotlight game on Monday night in a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game won 34-31 by the 49ers. Since the game is at Levi’s Stadium, Moody should enter with some confidence. He’s 23-for-30 on field goal attempts a 76.7 rate that’s unacceptable in today’s NFL, let alone for a kicker who was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But all seven of his misses have been on the road — one in Miami, two in Buffalo in the snow, three in Tampa Bay in the sunshine and one in Los Angeles. Which apparently came as news to Moody. “I actually didn’t know that,” Moody said. “That’s pretty interesting. I don’t think that necessarily has anything to do with it, being home or away. It’s just the misses, I’ve got to hit better kicks. It’s not any specific reason why I miss. I’ve just got to make sure I’m dialed in on my form.” Moody is 15-for-15 in field goal attempts at home, starting off 6-for-6 in the opener against the New York Jets. But Moody sustained a high ankle sprain on his right kicking foot in Week 5 against Arizona, missing three games as the 49ers cycled through Matthew Wright (also injured on a kick return) and Anders Carlson. “Since he’s come back, he hasn’t been as consistent, obviously,” Shanahan said. “I think a lot of it probably has to do with (the injury), just common-sense wise. Hopefully he can get to this offseason, heal up and find a stroke again.” Having a midseason injury was a “learning experience,” according to Moody. “Whether or not that was an issue, I don’t know. I’m still doing the best I can trying to keep everything what it was prior to the injury,” Moody said. “It’s not like you can really blame something.” While tempted to alter his approach and preparation, Moody thought better of it. He considers kicking similar to golf, and said it can take years for golfers to master a swing change. “In this business you don’t have that much time to try and dial something in and do big changes like that,” Moody said. “You’ve got to be consistent and not be changing too many things or you’ll be overwhelmed by everything.” While the 49ers may bring another kicker into camp just for an extra leg, Shanahan didn’t sound as if he was looking to set up a competition for No. 1. “I think you’ve got the wrong guy if you have to,” Shanahan said. “You do that when you don’t think you’re going to have a guy, but when those guys miss too much you go get a new one usually. And that’s what’s tough about the kicker position.” GREENLAW DONE FOR THE YEAR Shanahan hinted strongly Monday that linebacker Dre Greenlaw wouldn’t play in the last two games, saying he’d wait until talking to him before making it official. “He’s not going to play in these two games,” Shanahan said Thursday. “He understood.” Left tackle Spencer Burford (calf) did not practice and Shanahan thought there was a chance he’d be ready to face Detroit with Trent Williams and Jaylon Moore both on injured reserve. Left guard Aaron Banks (knee), who hasn’t yet been placed on IR, did not practice and neither did edge rusher Robert Beal Jr. Those who were limited were safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle), running back Isaac Guerendo (foot/ankle). Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) was off the injury list. Veteran offensive lineman Matt Hennessey was added to the roster with Williams going on injured reserve, with Sebastian Gutierrez joining the practice squad. Shanahan will try to piecemeal an offensive line heading into Detroit, with newcomer Charlie Heck also in the mix. “We’ve got to mix and match a number of guys,” Shanahan said. The 49ers activated the practice clock on rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune, who has been out with a knee injury in hopes of getting him back before the end of the regular season. LIONS EXPECT 49ERS BEST SHOT Detroit Dan Campbell thinks last year’s loss to the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game helped prepare them for taking another run at this season. “I think we’re really more mature,” Campbell told the Detroit media. “Every year you learn something about winning and losing. And when you take an `L’ like we did last year you learn from that . . . I think we’re much more prepared than at that time. You feel like you’re (prepared) but you get into that with a heavyweight that’s been there numerous times, you don’t always know. I think that as an experience has served us well moving into this year.” The Lions have also taken notice of what happened to the 49ers in 2022 when Brock Purdy tore the UCL in his throwing elbow in the NFC title game against Philadelphia and didn’t have a viable quarterback. Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was signed to the roster, giving the Lions three quarterbacks along with starter Jared Goff and backup Hendon Hooker. STAT WATCH — Tight end George Kittle (68 receptions, 967 yards) needs 33 yards receiving to reach 1,000 for the fourth time in his career and second in succession. With eight touchdown receptions, he’s three shy of his career high of 11 set in 2022. — Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (63 receptions, 856 yards) needs 144 yards in his last two games to reach 1,000 for the first time in his career. His six touchdown receptions are a career best. — Bosa has has seven sacks and needs three over the last two games for his fourth consecutive season in double figures. Bosa had 15 1/2 in 2021, 18 1/2 in 2022 (winning NFC Defensive Player of the Year) and 10 1/2 last season. First, Bosa is thinking about his eighth sack. “Just trying to get to the next one,” Bosa said. “But it would be cool.” — Defensive end Leonard Floyd has 8 1/2 sacks and needs 1 1/2 over the last two games to reach double figures for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time in his career. — Middle linebacker Fred Warner (117 tackles) needs 21 in his last two games to exceed his career high of 137 in 2021. Warner has exceeded 100 tackles in each of his seven seasons. — Purdy has 31 rushing first downs, three more than Colin Kaepernick had in 2013 and 2014.Pushpa 2 stampede: Security of citizens paramount, says Telangana DGP