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PLAY IT SHORT (A-LEAGUE): Tottenham double their Aussies, Inman survives Newcastle cull, Magilton gets landmark win

INMAN SURVIVES CULL AT NEWCASTLEBrilliant news that Brad Inman has won a new contract offer at Newcastle United.The Adelaide kid had gone off the boil last season, but seems to brought it all together just with his current deal winding down.Winning new terms is some feat for Inman considering the massive clearout of young players which has just occurred at Newcastle Unietd. Two of his teammates, Patrick Nzuzi and Ode Soderberg, are wanted by big spending Leicester City after their release - which does suggest the quality of Inman and how highly thought of he is by Peter Beardsley and manager Alan Pardew.

TOTTENHAM DOUBLE THEIR NUMBER OF AUSSIESThe number of Aussies has doubled at Tottenham. Great news for young midfielder Giancarlo Gallifuoco about winning terms at Spurs. He joins Massimo Luongo at White Hart Lane, whose been pulling up trees for Tim Sherwood's development squad this season and been on the bench a couple of times for the first team. I'm hearing Gallifuoco impressed Spurs staff with his willingness to embrace their advice - including putting more kilos on his frame. Gallifuoco is spending extra time in the gym to give himself every chance of making it in England.

CROWD TEST LOOMS FOR HEARTGreat to hear from Nikky Vuksan last week about Mate Dugandzic and his time at Dinamo Zagreb. Melbourne Heart have missed the midfielder while he's been on Olympics duty, though his form had tapered off before the call. There hasn't been much debate about Dugandzic's drop-off in the Melbourne press. And this is the real test for Heart. Are they still being propped up by pals in the media? Or do they now matter to the sports public in Melbourne? A home game against Gold Coast United will give us some answers. 7,000+ was promising for the Brisbane draw, will that momentum continue?

WHAT A WAY TO DELIVER MAGILTON HIS FIRST WINWhat a way for Jim Magilton to get his first win - against the champions-elect. The result can't be underestimated. No-one could get near the Mariners before Saturday and when you consider the rock bottom confidence of the players, the win can only mean good news for Melbourne Victory. Delighted for young Jimmy Jeggo, who was given the full 90 by Magilton. It was a good, solid debut and the boy was outstanding to win the header which set up Harry Kewell's winner on the night. < br\>This should strengthen Magilton's case for a long-term contract. The calls for him to interview for the job at the end of the season are absolutely ridiculous. It will just bring more instability. The board have backed their man and unless results take a dramatic downturn, they should stick with him. Three quarters of the season has been a shambles due to the lack of real direction from the board. They're now making the right decisions - and will continue by backing themselves and getting behind Magilton instead of listening to the local pundits.

VICTORY OVERHAUL NOW BEGINSNo centre-half comes to mind who has looked a million bucks in their first game in a new league. Ubay Luzardo had his moments on Saturday. He looked shaky at times, but then so did Nemanja Vidic in his first games at Manchester United. The big man will be better for the full 90 under his belt and also allows Magilton to play Milligan - who was immense against the Mariners - in midfield. Fernando Vazquez thought highly of Ubay at Las Palmas and for Victory fans, they must be excited seeing a first change to the spine of a team that has lasted over five seasons.

BERISHA WORTH CROSSING STREET FORBesart Berisha's volley yesterday was a stunner. The way he took it was just amazing. The quaity of player we're seeing at the majority of clubs this season is something football fans in Australia have never experienced. You could be cynical in the past, but if you have a ticket to see the likes of Berisha, Miller, Kewell and Ifill, you know you're going to get value for money. These guys are definitely worth crossing the street to see.

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Chris Beattie
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Chris Beattie

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