MINNEAPOLIS -- Diagnosed with cancer in his neck, Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan has taken leave from his job for treatment and recovery. Dru Samia Vikings Jersey . The timetable for his return is unclear, but the prognosis is optimistic. Though sobered by and concerned about the news, the Twins expressed confidence in the ability of their front offices long-time leader to beat the disease and get back to running the team. "I dont doubt hell get this knocked out," assistant general manager Rob Antony said. "Hes a tough bird, as he would say." The Twins released a statement on Monday from Ryan, who thanked his doctors, friends and colleagues for their work and support. "Its my intention to see you back at the ballpark as soon as possible," Ryan said. During his recent annual physical exam, the 60-year-old Ryan asked team physician Dr. Vijay Eyunni to examine a hard lump on his neck about an inch in diameter that had appeared a few weeks earlier. Further tests revealed squamous cell carcinoma. The squamous cells are in several parts of the body, but Eyunni said the source and cause of the cancer was undetermined. All that was known, he said, was that it was in his lymph node but had not spread to anywhere else. "The good news is we caught it early," Eyuinni said, adding: "As you know, both mentally and physically, hes very strong. So with treatment and radiation, its going to help him a lot. Hell recover better than someone who is not healthy." Ryan was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and expected to have surgery on Tuesday. Radiation treatment will likely follow. But once removed, Eyunni said, this type of cancer does not come back. "It should be completely done. It does not regenerate anymore," Eyunni said. Despite the positive outlook for a full recovery, this close-knit organization felt a collective anxiety and letdown upon learning of Ryans condition. "My family is praying for Terry Ryan and his family. Cancer is a terrible thing and we are hoping for a fast recovery," reliever Brian Duensing said on Twitter. "Cancer news hit close to home today. Sickened to hear about one of the men I respect most. My prayers are with you Terry," closer Glen Perkins tweeted. Manager Ron Gardenhire, in an email, said hes had a "rough few days" in regard to Ryans cancer. "You wont find a better boss or a better friend," Gardenhire said. Ryans primary concern, his colleagues said, was with his wife and adult children and how they would take the news. "But beyond that, he took it really well," Eyunni said. "He says, Doc, lets move on. I want to get this done." Ryan initially became general manager in 1994, stepping down 13 years later, citing burnout. After serving as a special assistant to general manager Bill Smith for four seasons, Smith was reassigned, and Ryan reassumed the job in 2011. In his statement, Ryan expressed confidence in Gardenhire, Antony and the rest of the baseball operations department to keep the Twins on the right track. "I met with Terry last week when he told all of us what was going on, and I started asking him questions about how he wanted me to handle this and that, and he just looked at me and basically said, Youve been around here long enough. Youve been in all these meetings. You know what goes on in spring training. Just go down and do your thing," Antony said. "He said, You know what youre doing. So that felt good." In addition to vice-president of player personnel Mike Radcliff, a member of the organization since 1987, special assistants Smith and Wayne Krivsky and have each previously been major league general managers, Krivsky with Cincinnati. For now, theres no plan on when or how much to consult with Ryan regarding general operations and key decisions. Antony told Ryan to call him when he feels good enough to participate. The Twins start spring training in Fort Myers, Fla., next week. "All I want to hear is the call that he says he had his checkup and the thing is completely gone and now he can start getting back to a normal routine and life, and whether that comes in March or April or whatever, it doesnt matter," Antony said. "Its the end result more than anything." He added: "There comes a time you need to put your family and your personal health and everything in front of your job and the game, and hes a smart enough guy to know that this is the time to do that right now." Kirk Cousins Vikings Jersey .com) - Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall left Saturdays game against the Senators in the second period with a left knee injury. Alan Page Jersey . - The Florida Panthers are getting some Army training to finish off their preparations for the season. http://www.thevikingsshoponline.com/Youth-garrett-bradbury-vikings-jersey/ . Nat Borchers headed in the sole goal in the 54th minute, getting on the end of a Kyle Beckerman free kick. The defeat cost Sporting top spot in the Eastern Conference. Even a draw would have moved the Kansas City club above Columbus.TORONTO - Doneil Henry is about to join the select list of Canadians to play in Englands Premier League.The 21-year-old former Toronto FC defender from Brampton, Ont., had his work permit approved Monday, paving the way for a move to West Ham United in January.The east London side currently stands fourth with a 9-4-4 record.Absolutely fantastic news for Doneil, said former Toronto FC manager Ryan Nelsen, who recommended the Canadian international to West Ham boss Sam Allardyce. I know how hard hes worked and the effort he put in.Nelsen, a big Henry backer, captained Blackburn Rovers under Allardyce.English reports pegged the West Ham transfer fee at 1.5 million pounds (C$2.7 million).West Ham had to make its case for a permit before an appeals hearing. Canadas lowly world ranking — currently No. 112 — makes it difficult to secure the proper paperwork in England.Henry will join fellow Canadian Junior Hoilett (Queens Park Rangers) in Englands top flight. The Brampton-born Hoilett has yet to declare his international allegiance, however.Other Canadians to play in the top tier include Jim Brennan, Terry Dunfield, David Edgar, Craig Forrest, Simeon Jackson, Jimmy Nicholl, Tomasz Radzinski, Paul Stalteri and Frank Yallop.Calgary-born Owen Hargreaves also played in the Premier League but opted to suit up internationally for England.The move caps an eventful year for Henry, whose sale to a Cypriot club was shrouded in secrrecy for months. Jalyn Holmes Jersey. Toronto confirmed in August that Henry had been sold to the Cyprus club in March/April, only to be immediately loaned back to the MLS team. Neither Toronto nor Henry would initially name the team, later identified as Apollon Limassol.Nelsen said the Cyprus deal was a good one for Toronto, which received both a transfer fee and allocation money. The MLS team also got to hold onto the player for the season, although his rights went to his new club in Cyprus.At the end of the MLS season, Toronto said Henrys loan period was up but could be extended.Henry, who has made no secret of his desire to play in Europe, spent 2 1/2 weeks training with West Ham prior to the 2014 MLS season.They liked him and a lot of other clubs really liked him as well, Nelsen said Monday from his native New Zealand.A source told The Canadian Press that top Portuguese side Porto was also interested in Henry.Hell go to the top, theres no question about that. Hes got all the tools, Nelsen said of Henry in May.West Ham was clearly more interested in Henry that Toronto, which favoured rookie Nick Hagglund as captain Steven Caldwells partner in central defence as the MLS season wore on.Henry was the first player from Toronto FCs academy to graduate to the first team when he signed a pro contract in August 2010.He went on to play 70 league games, making 19 starts this season.Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter ' ' '