Sports Ladder (23rd-29th September)

UP - Oracle Team USA - This week Sir Ben Ainslie's Oracle Team completed one of the greatest ever sporting comebacks, beating New Zealand 9-8 after recovering from an 8-1 deficit. Ainslie was drafted in when America was 4-1 down and turned it around to complete an outstanding victory. The next task for Ainslie is to get a British team in the next America's Cup.

UP - Wilson Kipsang - Kipsang ran away with a new world record this week after winning the Berlin Marathon in a new record time of 2:03:38, beating the last record by 15 seconds. This was his first marathon victory this year but his seventh in his three year marathon career. His next aim will probably be to win the Olympics but he'll have to beat our own Mo Farah amongst others.

UP - Aaron Ramsey - The butt of football jokes for the last few years, Ramsey has had an outstanding start to this season. Over the last few years he scored so infrequently that the 'Ramsey Curse' came into effect, meaning that whenever he scored a celebrity died. However, with eight goals in nine games this season, the showbiz world must be quaking in their boots.

UP - Women's Football - Women's football has had only good press this week. With Liverpool Ladies winning the League, stopping Arsenal Ladies from claiming their eight successful title and England thrashing Turkey 8-0 in a World Cup qualifier, perhaps it's time for the men to stop and take a leaf out of their female counterparts book; it seems to be working.

UP - Dominic Sibley - I don't know a lot about cricket but I can always appreciate a successful sportsman, especially one younger than myself. Dominic Sibley this week became the youngest double century scorer in the County Championship. An impressive performance from someone who had to skip school just to play. The next England opener?

DOWN - Jan Vertonghen - Vertonghen's reputation has suffered a bit of a knock this week despite his unquestionable ability. Labelled a disgrace by Mourinho after some weekend antics, he had a pretty pants start to the week when he rather bizarely 'cegged' Aston Villa's Andreas Helenius. Step it up Jan!

DOWN - Devis Licciardi - One of the strangest serious stories in sport I have ever heard. Licciardi got caught this week trying to pass a drugs test by using a fake penis filled with uncontaminated liquid but was found out when it was revealed a doctor had to watch him take the test. Doping in sport is a serious issue but at least Licciardi made us laugh whilst partaking.

DOWN - British Golfers - This doesn't apply to all, only the six golfers who pulled out of the Seve Trophy next week, the European equivalent to the President's Cup. The Cup was created by the late Seve Ballesteros and I completely agree with Paul Lawrie who said "I don't quite understand it and its extremely disappointing', when talking about their decision not to take part.

DOWN - Manchester - It's been an uninspiring start to the season for both Manchester clubs and that continued this weekend as both teams lost in the Premier League. Manchester United in particular have struggled, suffering their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign. Could the title be on it's way back to London for the first time in four years?

DOWN - Stephen Lee - A sad week for snooker as Stephan Lee is found to have committed seven counts of match fixing and has been given a 12 year ban from professional circuit, leaving the 39 year old's career in pieces. Despite continuing to plead his innocent, the reaction of the players suggests he is guilty. A tough day for Lee and his family but it's good to know the WPBSA have taken the offence seriously.

Premier League Preview: Tottenham

Bale, Bale, Bale - three words that have dominated Tottenham this summer. In amongst all the Welsh drama, Tottenham have actually made solid signings. After missing out so narrowly on Champions League football once again, Andre Villas-Boas will be looking to correct that, with top four the top priority.

Putting the Bale saga aside, Tottenham have still had a busy summer. Finally they have signed a clinical striker in Roberto Soldado as well as strengthening their midfield with three midfielders, Nacer Chadli, Paulinho and Etienne Capoue. Alongside that is the return of long-term absentee Sandro to bolster the midfield. With another defender they really do have a lot of quality in depth and, with or without Bale, will be no lower than fifth.

Bale staying could be the difference between top four and missing out again. Either way though, Tottenham have strengthened and, should Bale be sold, they will have plenty of money to reinvest in the squad. Expect Tottenham to push on again this year and do not be surprised if they make it into the top four. That, however, would also be largely dependent on Arsenal's dealings before the end of the transfer market. 

Key Man: Jan Vertonghen - With Bale's future in doubt, the key man status falls to the Belgian Vertonghen. Making the PFA Player of the Year last year, Vertonghen is one of the League's best defenders who also has goals in his system. Last season the media were frequently describing Tottenham as a one man team, but Vertonghen did everything possible to prove this wrong.

One to Watch: Paulinho - Whilst Soldado has stolen the limelight for solving the striker problem, Paulinho is a very good signing. Alongside Sandro in midfield Paulinho is a strong a powerful player. Scooping the third place player award at the Confederations Cup as well as making the Brazilian League Team of the Year in 2011 and 2012, his presence will certainly add another dimension to the team.

Best Summer Signing: Roberto Soldado - The missing link to Tottenham over the last few years has been a clinical striker and Soldado solves this problem. With twenty-four goals last year in La Liga he is a proven goalscorer and will provide guaranteed goals. With the creative potential in the midfield, Soldado could be one of the top goalscorers in the League as he will definitely have the chances.

Last Season: 5th

Pre-Season Prediction: 5th - The battle for fourth will remain in North London. I think Arsenal will just pip it if they make some marquee signings.