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      Watch bizarre moment referee Keith Stroud blows KISS to match ball at Fulham against Middlesbrough leaving fans confused

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      REFEREE Keith Stroud is clearly as delighted as anyone to see the new season – and bizarrely blew a KISS to the match ball ahead of his game on Sunday.The whistler took charge of Fulham’s 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough.
      Keith Stroud blew a kiss to the match ball ahead of Fulham vs MiddlesbroughCredit: Sky Sports
      The referee certainly kicked off the new Championship season in styleCredit: Sky Sports
      He completed the move with a swift throw and catch of the ball at Craven CottageCredit: Sky Sports

      And as he led the teams out of the tunnel, he performed the hilarious gesture before picking the Championship ball off the plinth at Craven Cottage.
      To top it off, Stroud did the classic collection – throwing it up and catching it with both hands.
      Even his assistants looked a bit confused by the antics – and unsurprisingly, fans on Twitter were also baffled.
      One wrote: “You just know he was practising it last night in the bathroom mirror.”
      Another said: “The strut, the kiss, the ball collection. Football referees are back.”
      A third simply added: “The Keith Stroud Show.”
      And a final user commented: “Keith Stroud is back, baby.”
      It is not the first time the 51-year-old from Hampshire has been spotted demonstrating his love of the beautiful game.
      In August 2019, Stroud kissed the ball as he walked out for Salford City’s Carabao Cup clash with Leeds.
      ‘MINI MIKE DEAN’
      And last September he was at it again ahead of Watford vs Middlesbrough.
      At least this time he was more Covid-safe by blowing the kiss rather than giving the ball a big smack with his lips.
      Many compared the move to the original celebrity ref, Mike Dean, who has forged a reputation for his eccentric style on the pitch.
      The Football Ramble said: “You thought Mike Dean was a showman, but bet he’s never blown a kiss to the match ball like Keith Stroud did today has he.”
      Paul typed: “Dean-esque showboating for the cameras. Makes me cringe.”
      Karl added: “Mini Mike Dean.”
      And James joked: “Oooooft he’s set the bar high on day 1 of the season. Can’t wait for Dean’s response.”
      With the Premier League not underway until Friday, Dean had the weekend off – and made the most of it by heading to Prenton Park to watch his beloved Tranmere take on Walsall.
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      But on the hour mark, when one of the assistants went down injured, Dean raced to the rescue by stepping in as fourth official.
      Dean could have a rival in the top flight this season, though, with fellow referee Kevin Friend showing early signs of form in pre-season.
      The Leicestershire-based official hilariously booked the crowd during Bristol City’s friendly against Aston Villa after the travelling fans chanted ‘You’re just a s*** Mike Dean’ at him.
      It is not the first time he has demonstrated his affection when leading the teams outCredit: Rex
      As well as a 2019 Carabao Cup clash, Stroud did it again at Vicarage Road last seasonCredit: Sky Sports
      Ref Kevin Friend gives crowd yellow card after they chant ‘you’re just a s*** Mike Dean’ More

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      Tom Lawrence’s late mum would be proud of him captaining Wayne Rooney’s Derby – and he’s matured after drink-drive hell

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      TOM LAWRENCE knows his late mum Deborah will look down proudly as he leads Derby out as captain on Saturday.The attacking midfielder has been handed the armband for the season by boss Wayne Rooney.
      Tom Lawrence, captaining Derby in pre-season against SalfordCredit: Rex
      It raised eyebrows in some sections of the Rams’ support, but it could well be an inspired piece of management from the England and Manchester United legend.
      Lawrence, 27, has just come through the most challenging time of his life.
      First he had the trauma of his mum being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and dying at the age of just 56.
      Then, not long afterwards, he and former team-mate Mason Bennett were involved in a car crash after drink-driving and left the scene.
      Both pleaded guilty and got driving bans and community service.
      But two years on, and having matured on and off the field, Lawrence has been given the opportunity by Rooney to not just lead the team but to be someone young players can learn from.
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      Lawrence told SunSport: “The ups and downs on and off the pitch, I’ve been through them all.
      “Now I’m at an age where I’m mentally in the right place, ready to lead this group of lads and my door is always open for anyone who wants to speak to me. 
      “There are plenty of people close to me, around Derby County, who helped me massively.
      “I’m forever grateful. I know how I can help other people and it’s a new chapter for me.”
      When Lawrence was going through his lowest time coming to terms with his mum’s diagnosis, treatment and then her death, he continued playing.
      He played in the Championship play-off final defeat by Aston Villa just after she died in 2019.
      Lawrence said: “When I went through it, I played the games but didn’t think about things.
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      “On the pitch was the best time in many ways because you’re not thinking about it.
      “The preparations were not ideal obviously, because I was going through stuff. But on the pitch you don’t think about anything else.”
      But what he did learn during that period was the importance of speaking to someone.
      His former Rams boss Frank Lampard in particular was a huge help — as he had gone through the same agony when he lost his own mum, Pat.
      Lawrence said: “When you are young and growing up in football, you’re under a lot of pressure.
      The ups and downs on and off the pitch, I’ve been through them all… now I’m at an age where I’m mentally in the right place, ready to lead this group of lads and my door is always open for anyone who wants to speak to me.  Tom Lawrence
      “It can be stressful in many difficult ways. There are always people around who you can speak to about it.
      “I don’t think enough players speak about it. The best message I can give someone is to speak to someone.”
      When he runs out at Pride Park against Huddersfield as captain on Saturday, Lawrence will be thinking of his mum.
      He said: “She would have been the proudest mum and I’m    sure she will be looking down.”
      Derby have been under transfer restrictions this summer after breaking EFL Financial Fair Play rules and were trying to sign eight new players this week on free transfers, with wages restricted by the league.
      The Rams only survived relegation after a dramatic 3-3 last-day draw with drop rivals Sheffield Wednesday last term and would have gone down had it not been for Cardiff scoring a late leveller against Rotherham.
      Lawrence said: “I don’t want to be involved in one of those games again to be honest — but we haven’t got the biggest squad and things aren’t happy at the moment.
      “However, we’ve worked hard and are ready for the first game and because of the squad size it’s important everyone stands up to be counted.”
      Lawrence has also been nominated by Rooney as the club’s penalty-taker.

      He said: “The manager has been so helpful and supportive to me. He is always good at giving me advice as a goalscorer — and after what he has achieved in the game, you take anything he says on board.
      “I am happy to be taking penalties.
      “I want to score more goals. I think I’ve only scored double figures twice in the last six years so I need to do that on a more consistent basis.”
      Lawrence has been through a tough two years following the death of his mum and his drink-driving convictionCredit: Rex
      Derby boss Wayne Rooney has shown his faith in Lawrence by making him captainCredit: Rex More

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      Neeskens Kebano hopes Fulham will bounce straight back into the Premier League after his Craven Cottage exile

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      WHEN Neeskens Kebano was dropped at Fulham after their opening Premier League defeat against Arsenal last season it seemed ruthlessly harsh.The winger had played a key role in getting the Cottagers there in the first place and had enjoyed a strong pre-season.
      Neeskens Kebano is hoping Fulham will be topping the table this season
      Neeskens Kebano’s only Premier League start last season was against Arsenal
      Yet after a 3-0 home loss to the Gunners, he only managed another four league substitute appearances totalling 54 minutes playing time.
      But Kebano, 29, is not someone who dwells on disappointments and tells me how he sticks religiously to the biggest piece of advice his dad Nestor told him while growing up in Montereau-Fault-Yonne on the outskirts of Paris.
      The French-born Congo ace said: “There’s a saying in the Bible which I don’t know the exact translation into English – but essentially it is, ‘You could be suffering today, smiling tomorrow then laughing the next day. Don’t be stuck in your mood, life goes on.’
      “You’ll have a good game, another good game, maybe a bad game. You can’t overthink things. Just do what you know and keep living your life.”
      His mum Brigitte and dad had a hard start to life growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo and they both worked extremely hard to make ends meet when Kebano, his two sisters and brother were growing up.
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      And as he got older, he understood the significance of stories they told him of their upbringing in the Central African state and the sacrifices they made to make sure he got a better start in life.
      The winger said: “I didn’t grow up on the Champs-Elysees. I grew up in a suburb of Paris where you don’t have the new Nike trainers, the new branded jeans. You have to do what you have to do. 
      “Most of our parents from this community made sacrifices themselves just to make sure their children were not in need.
      “For example, I only saw my parents at home very early in the morning and late in the evening. You wouldn’t see them during the day because they’d leave around 5am and were not back until 8pm.
      “They worked in central Paris and had to commute every day, taking two trains there and two back – it was hard.
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      “So I’ve always seen them as role models. As a boy, I always looked up to my father and wanted to be like him. Even today he is always giving me advice.” 
      During the height of the pandemic last year, the Fulham star felt compelled to send food, essential goods and PPE to his parents’ home town of Kinshasa through a charity he set up called the Neeskens Kebano Foundation.
      He said: “The government forbade everyone from going outside of their homes but in Congo that’s hard because the only way they earn their money is by selling bread, fish and water in the streets.
      “If you’re asking them to stay indoors, how can they live, eat and drink? How do they feed their families?
      “We decided to send out some rice, oil, face-masks, hand-sanitising gels, that sort of stuff – just to give people there some sort of help.”
      Kebano often visits Congo – whether to see relatives or play for the national team – and is moved by the poverty people suffer and their way of life.
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      One of the most incredible things is how a mother can get into debt for simply having a child – something that is common across Africa.
      The Fulham winger explained: “In Congo, when a mother gives birth – and no-one can afford to settle the medical fee – she and the baby must stay there until someone comes and pays and they only then can leave.
      “My friend Chancel Mbemba – who used to play for Newcastle – went there to pay for some mothers.”
      I put it to Kebano that it seems crazy that in 2021 we should have such poverty and that the situation he describes – which is effectively blackmail and hostage-taking – is still rife in the world.
      And that the African continent appears as far away as ever from being a good home for its inhabitants.
      But Kebano explains: “In Congo – and Africa in general – I think one problem can’t just be resolved. The trouble is there are many more problems than just one. 
      “What needs to happen is you must go through the whole foundation of these countries.
      “You need to start with a good education because poor children don’t go to school.
      “I look at the health for people to be in good condition to live their lives or to work. I think you have started with a good foundation.
      “I want a fair world but we don’t live in a fair world.”
      Kebano was named after Dutch football legend and three-time Ajax European Cup winner Johan Neeskens, his dad’s favourite player of all time.
      “I was always destined to be a footballer,” he laughs.
      Kebano – having spent a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough in the second half of last season – is back in the picture at Craven Cottage and raring to help them bounce straight back to the Premier League after relegation.
      With former Everton, Watford and Hull boss Marco Silva now at the helm, it is a fresh start for everyone as Fulham open their campaign – ironically – against Boro at home on Sunday.
      I like the idea of yo-yoing back into the Premier League – then it must stop!Neeskens Kebano
      He said: “I enjoyed my time at Boro because I was playing and an important player. 
      “It was one of the best dressing rooms. There was a good mix of older and younger players. Sometimes an experienced player doesn’t want a younger one to show their potential because that makes him a threat to his position in the team – but that wasn’t the case at Boro.  
      “I like how Neil Warnock managed it – even players who weren’t playing were positive. I was playing cards and things. It was a good vibe.”
      So what does he make of his new boss in West London, Silva? Without hesitation, Kebano answers: “He’s demanding. That’s the main thing. Before talking about tactics and the work we do, he knows what he wants from each of us.

      “We speak about fine margins that can give us the edge – even just to draw a game when we can’t win. They’ll make the difference and help if we go up again.”
      How can Fulham stop being a yo-yo club as this will be their fourth season in a row starting in a new division in the top tiers?
      Kebano laughs: “Oh, let’s not stop yet. I like the idea of yo-yoing back to the Premier League. Then we must stop!”
      Neeskens Kebano met up with SunSport’s Justin Allen ahead of the new season
      Neeskens Kebano shows off Fulham’s new home kit for the 2021-22 campaign More

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      Iconic Charlton boss Alan Curbishley has stand named after him at The Valley, where he also sold The Who badges as a kid

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      ALAN CURBISHLEY’S love affair with The Valley goes back to when he sold badges at a Who concert there as a 16-year-old.His brother Bill has since 1972 managed the iconic British rock band, who played gigs and festivals at the stadium.
      Alan Curbishley at The Valley, where he managed Charlton for 15 yearsCredit: The Sun
      Curbs sitting in the stand that will bear his nameCredit: The Sun

      But today the legendary former Charlton boss will be honoured as the club open The Alan Curbishley Stand at the League One season opener against Sheffield Wednesday.
      And ironically the club’s Danish owner Thomas Sandgaard, a part-time rock guitarist, will treat him and Addicks faithful to an on-pitch rendition of Valley Floyd Road at 5.15pm.
      He has also released a song called Addicks to Victory.
      Curbs, 63, told SunSport: “Charlton supporters always told me about the so-called record 75,031 Valley crowd when Aston Villa visited in 1938 and 70,000 gates in the 1950s.
      “But I always had a stock answer – the biggest crowd was when The Who played there in May 1974 and attracted 88,000. I know because I was there!
      “Bill had been managing the band for a couple of years and got me, my younger brother Paul and a friend to make badges and sell them at the concert.
      “We had a badge-making machine and, on the front of each one, was a photo of The Who. We sold them for 20p a pop.
      “The Who were at the height of their powers and flying. They had just released Who’s Next, their biggest album, and Quadrophenia.
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      “I remember having to keep running back to a room inside The Valley where we put our machine to make more badges.
      “Fans put up tents in nearby gardens and spent the night before there.
      “Loads jumped fences and got in for free and the entrance gates were knocked down.
      “The old Greater London Council flew a helicopter overhead and calculated 88,000 people rammed in and the event promoters got fined as it was over capacity.
      “The big old East Bank – which is where the stand named after me sits – had 46,000 that night. It’s one of my most vivid childhood memories.”
      The Who playing The Valley during the 1970sCredit: Alamy
      The Who set a world record for being the loudest band at Charlton in 1976Credit: Alamy
      Charlton chairman and part-time rocker Thomas Sandgaard will perform on the pitch todayCredit: Instagram / @sandgaardfnd
      [embedded content]
      The Who, incidentally, set a world record as the loudest band when they played at The Valley again in 1976 – recording 76,000 watts at 120 decibels – so Sandgaard will have his work cut out to beat that!
      Curbishley is best remembered for his 15 years in charge of Charlton from 1991 to 2006 – where he won promotion twice to the Premier League and established the club in the top flight. And he had two spells as a player, giving him a total 19 years at the club.
      And in 2004 he almost got Charlton into the CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – but the Addicks sold star player Scott Parker to Chelsea for £10million during the January window.
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      Curbs said: “We beat Chelsea 4-2 on Boxing Day and were fourth. They made a bid the next day. Had we kept Scott that season, we’d have got into Europe because we were a good side. We ended seventh, seven points behind the top four.”
      The Londoner is by far the most successful Addicks manager in the modern era and the club have floundered since they parted company with him in 2006 – getting relegated in their first season after his departure and yo-yoing between the Championship and League One since.
      Curbishley said: “When Thomas called about the stand, I was stunned because most people get a stand named after them when they’ve died.
      “I spoke to Richard Bevan at the LMA and we were thinking of managers who have had stands named after them.
      “We could only think of Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough, Bill Shankly, Kenny Dalglish, Graham Taylor and Don Revie. I know Billy Bonds had one named after him at West Ham but that was more for his playing days.
      Curbishley with the play-off trophy after the epic 1998 final shootout win over SunderlandCredit: Getty
      “I don’t get too emotional but I might on Saturday.”
      Curbishley – who had Charlton punching above their weight for years and consistently producing home-grown stars such as Parker and Lee Bowyer – has been out of management since resigning from West Ham in 2008.
      Even during his two years with the Hammers, he helped save them from relegation against the odds after taking over from Alan Pardew in 2006 and then guided them to 10th despite being hampered by a string of injuries to star players.
      This is a manager who was on Liverpool’s radar before they appointed Rafa Benitez and got interviewed for the England job when the FA opted for Steve McClaren.
      He said: “I’m only 63 and can most definitely do a good job in the Premier League but I don’t think anyone will give me a chance because I’ve been out of the game too long.
      “I did get offered Championship jobs. I got offered Hull with 10 games left, Wolves with 12 matches to go but I didn’t want that, I wanted a fresh start – at least go in during pre-season.
      KING OF THE VALLEYHis boss record at Charlton
      (All competitions)Games              720Wins                 274 (38%)Draws               187 (26%)Defeats            259 (36%)

      “Suddenly it drifted longer and I didn’t get a sniff. New owners, new chief executives come along and you’re out of it – you’re forgotten.” I ask him why he feels one of the big European-challenging Premier League clubs did not take a punt on him when he was at the height of his powers.
      He said: “Look at Sean Dyche – a great British manager at Burnley. He never gets mentioned for the big jobs. He’s in a similar position to where I was.
      “The only major ones who have been elevated in recent years were David Moyes at Manchester United and Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. Obviously, Roy Hodgson went to Liverpool too but he had already been managing across Europe.
      “It wasn’t long ago we had huge concerns there was not enough English talent coming through at Premier League clubs but that has now changed with the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.
      CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASMCurbishley on…
      NIGEL ADKINS
      He took Southampton from League One to the Premier League, the journey Charlton wanted to make. He has been around this league, he understands it, he’s experienced.
      THOMAS SANDGAARD
      I think Charlton have a solid owner who has the club at heart, which is what it needs after years of problems at the top. But everyone understands success won’t be instant.
      HIS DEFINING MOMENT
      Had we not beaten Sunderland in the 1998 play-off final, Premier League clubs were lining up that summer to take our players. Although we were relegated in our first season, we had a solid platform so didn’t have to lose all our players and came straight back up.
      WHY HE LEFT
      I had a year left on my deal and was happy to leave sorting a new one until nearer the time it expired. I met chairman Richard Murray to discuss new signings and the conversation quickly moved to how can we offer three-year deals to players when you only have one left on yours? I understood and the meeting finished with me leaving.
      CHARLTON’S CHANCES
      With Thomas here, the expectation is that the club will go straight up.
      With so many clubs reining in their finances because of Covid, there is a good opportunity here. With Charlton being in London, they are ideally placed to attract players and use the loan market well.

      “Hopefully, with the success of the England team in recent years under Gareth Southgate and English coaches, we’ll see more up-and-coming British managers get a chance.”
      Curbishley believes clubs should look at appointing mentors for first-time managers – a role he undertook at Fulham briefly for Rene Meulensteen and later Kit Symons.
      He said: “When Martin Jol left, all the staff departed too – leaving Rene on his own and I got asked if Ray Wilkins and I could go in and be a mentor.

      “It was perfect. It wasn’t me saying, ‘Rene, you should be doing this.’ It was more, ‘have you thought about this?’ or ‘I’ve watched three games and wondered if you might consider this?’
      “There’s definitely a role there for experienced ex-managers. The LMA has been promoting the idea of getting an experienced man around clubs – but some chairmen see it as a sign of weakness, which it absolutely isn’t.
      “It’s not about controlling things but giving advice, suggestions, a second opinion– even if it’s just a phone call.”
      One former rookie manager who asked for tips was Paolo Di Canio, who he signed for Charlton from West Ham.
      He said: “Paolo had just taken the Sunderland job and I met him in Hong Kong at a reception for the Premier League Asia Cup. He asked if I had advice.
      “I told him, ‘Paolo, there’s an old saying in England that you count to 10 before you say anything. My advice to you is count to 20!’ I don’t think Di Canio ever heeded it!”
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      Shrewsbury boss Steve Cotterill urges fans to get vaccinated and help each other out this season after his Covid hell

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      STEVE COTTERILL has urged fans to help each other boot the worst of Covid-19 out of our lives once and for all.The Shrewsbury manager likened his own harrowing experience with the deadly virus as having a go on every ride in a fairground.
      Steve Cotterill back managing Shrewsbury in pre-season after his Covid hellCredit: Getty
      And after being lucky to live to tell the tale, Cotterill – who will manage his side at home to Burton today – wants fans to consider two important things as they return to matches this season after almost 18 months locked out.

      Show kindness and respect to one another inside and outside stadiums, whether it be by keeping socially distanced or wearing face coverings where possible, to help keep a lid on the disease

      Get vaccinated to help not only protect themselves but their fellow supporters who may be more vulnerable if they catch the virus.

      Cotterill, 57, spent 33 days in hospital, including a spell in intensive care, after contracting the killer bug in January.
      And the former Burnley boss was readmitted for another 16 days after his condition worsened in March.
      He told SunSport: “I had a tube inserted just under my bicep, directly down to my heart.
      “It ended up puncturing my lung. Imagine trying to blow a balloon up after you’ve put a pin prick into the neck of it. It doesn’t matter how good you are, you’re not going to blow that balloon up because the wind is escaping all the time.
      “So when oxygen was pumped into me, it was actually coming back out into my body, which gave me emphysema – causing shortness of breath.
      “The air was in between the layers of my skin, which had a choking effect that made things even more difficult.
      “I remember one night being really poorly. I was staying up longer because I didn’t want to sleep as I wasn’t sure if I’d wake up again.
      “Eventually I slept but woke at 4am. Normally, when you wake that early, it’s the end of the world because you want to stay asleep.
      “Yet that morning I couldn’t have been more delighted because I was still alive and thought, ‘Maybe I’m going to be all right after all.’
      “But I remember there was a day I had a lot of chest pains about 2am and they came out and did an ECG on me there and then.
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      “If the Bristol Royal Infirmary was a fairground, I remember having a go on every ride going that day. I was here, there and everywhere – there were X-rays, scans, echocardiograms, the lot.
      “When you’re in intensive care, you’re so unwell, you just leave it to the brilliant doctors and nurses. My specialist Dr Katrina Curtis and all the staff there, I’ll always be thankful for how they looked after me.”
      The government has been in discussion with the EFL and Premier League about a much-debated and controversial vaccine passport scheme – where fans will only be allowed into stadiums if they have been double jabbed.
      Regardless of that outcome, many clubs will still encourage fans, where possible, to social distance and continue to wear facial coverings.
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      Stadium capacity will be down to each club’s local authority – assessed on safety and the Covid situation in the area at any given time.
      And Cotterill said: “Now the government has relaxed rules, someone will wear a mask in a supermarket, while another person won’t.
      “Already you’re seeing someone queuing, who isn’t wearing one, coughing and spluttering.
      “Then all of a sudden someone will be giving them a funny look and that escalates into an argument.
      “That’s not what we want in stadiums.
      “It would be great if we could get back to full capacity but must bear in mind that the situation with this virus can change at any moment.
      “So if we can’t – or at a later date must restrict numbers – it’s important fans respect social distancing and whatever rules are laid down by the authorities at the time.
      I remember one night being really poorly. I was staying up longer because I didn’t want to sleep as I wasn’t sure if I’d wake up again.Steve Cotterill
      “It doesn’t matter how crazy we all are about our teams, the most important thing is our health.
      “If you haven’t got your health, it doesn’t matter how much you love your club because you’re not going to be watching them.
      “So everyone has to be safe and respectful to the man, woman or child sat next to them – or the older lady sat two seats away.
      “If we can all look after each other during this time – because it won’t be forever – we can get the best of both worlds, stay healthy and get to watch football.”
      More than 38 million people have been fully vaccinated – which is almost 60 per cent of the population.
      The government has already announced that partying Brits will need a vaccine passport from the end of September with fears that there are still many youngsters who have not been jabbed.
      Cotterill said: “I think the younger age group have been really good. When you look at it, we have had 87 per cent of people who’ve been jabbed in our country. So there are 13 per cent that are left and that might be some of the younger age group.
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      “The younger ones still want to go out night-clubbing and be here, there and everywhere. So my advice to them would be, ‘Having the jab is a good thing otherwise you’re not going to enjoy your lives like you did a year or two ago.’
      “Yes, it’s true the vaccination can make you poorly for a day or two – but, trust me, it’s nothing like the real thing.
      “There are a lot of people who’ve caught Covid only had symptoms for a few days or none at all – but it’s only when it grabs hold of you, like it did with me, that you’re a lot more passionate about things.
      “I’m not telling people they must get it done but I’ll certainly try to persuade people why they should get it done.”
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      Dean Bouzanis was called world’s best keeper at 16 by then-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez – now he’s set for Sutton EFL bow

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      RAFA BENITEZ once described Dean Bouzanis as the world’s best goalkeeper for his age … and signed him at Liverpool.But on Saturday he will be between the sticks for Sutton as they play their first-ever match in the EFL, 123 years after being formed, at Forest Green.
      Dean Bouzanis is ready to don the gloves in Sutton’s first-ever EFL match this weekend
      Bouzanis during his Liverpool days when Benitez rated him as the best keeper in the world for his age
      Bouzanis, 30, was just 16 when the Reds spotted his talents while playing for the Australia Under-17 team.
      He was promptly snapped up by the Premier League giants after a successful three-week trial at Melwood with Benitez gushing in his praise.
      Bouzanis never broke into the first team at Anfield but has enjoyed a wide-ranging professional career.
      He had a loan spell at Accrington Stanley and played regularly for Oldham and Melbourne City – Manchester City’s nursery club Down Under.
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      The Sydney-born Greek-Aussie also had a spell backing up a certain Jordan Pickford while the England ace was a rookie on loan at Carlisle.
      Yet Bouzanis had only been a keeper for a year-and-a-half after starting out as a midfielder when Benitez made his bold statement.
      And he told SunSport: “It was a massive statement. For Rafa to have said that meant a great deal.
      “But it was much to live up to. There’s a lot of pressure. You’re a young boy from Australia, you’ve moved to England and suddenly you have this tag on you.
      “You’re playing with top-quality players despite only having been in goal for 18 months.”
      Bouzanis was rubbing shoulders with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Harry Kewell and Fernando Torres – as well as training alongside former Reds No1 Pepe Reina.
      The keeper said: “After a spell on loan in Sydney, I’ll never forget the day I got pulled into the office by Rafa and Xavi Valero, the goalkeeping coach.
      “They said, ‘Dean, you have your first squad number – No 43,’ and from that moment I was in the first-team dressing room non-stop.
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      Rafa Benitez was convinced that Bouzanis had potential to be a world-class star
      “It was a feeling I can’t explain. It was unbelievable but, in terms of standard and quality, they were leaps and bounds ahead of me.
      “I had much work to do. I knew that. I got found out in some sessions because of how good they were.
      “Yet the one thing I had, which is why they signed me, was I could play with my feet and that’s a big attribute of mine. That separated me from the rest of the young keepers and they saw raw ability they could hopefully work on.
      “But when you’re working with the likes of Gerrard, Torres, Carragher and Reina every day, there were times when I thought I’m miles off it.”
      Bouzanis found himself back-up on the bench to Reina after Brad Jones got injured.
      And the Aussie added: “Pepe was a great character – an unbelievable professional who helped me with my life.
      I’d go as far as saying Steven Gerrard was the best player I’ve ever played with. He was class and a gentleman with itDean Bouzanis
      “This was a guy who was getting golden gloves in the Premier League and stuff. To see how he went about his work that separates him from the rest was a huge honour.
      “Stevie was of course the main man. I remember him asking me if I was the Aussie kid on trial when I first came over but at that age you don’t get too close because you feel a little intimidated – but once I settled he became just a normal team-mate.
      “He was so approachable, you could ask him about anything. He was always there to help. Stevie was an unbelievable leader with the way he conducted himself and went about things on and off the pitch.
      “I’d go as far as saying he’s the best player I’ve ever played with. He was class and a gentleman with it.”
      Bouzanis in front of the new Gander Green Lane pitch being laid to comply with EFL rules
      Benitez was riding high after leading his Kop kings to their famous Champions League triumph in 2005 and another final in 2007 – as well as their FA Cup success in 2006.
      And Bouzanis said: “Rafa was an absolute tactician. He seemed to have a solution to everything. He believes in his philosophies, is hard to beat.
      “He kept his distance from the players – and wasn’t a manager who was fully hands-on. He did a lot of work in his office because he was so tactically aware of everything he done.
      “The way he set up his teams, the ways he found solutions to how the other teams played was unbelievable. He was a freak at what he did and that is why he has been so successful and won so many things.”
      Bouzanis never managed a senior first-team appearance during his time at Anfield – but he did help knock them out of the FA Cup in 2013 while playing for Oldham.
      Bouzanis is hugged by a fan after he helped Oldham knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup
      The then-League One outfit beat Liverpool 3-2 in the fourth round at Boundary Park and the keeper said: “I had just left Liverpool. I knew it was time for me to get proper first-team experience and it was amazing, especially the reception I got from the fans.
      “Playing against them as a massive Liverpool supporter myself and knowing all the guys as team-mates not long before made it an emotional evening for me.
      “To share that field with all those great players was an honour – something you could never take for granted.”
      BOUZANIS’ CLUBS
      Liverpool – 2007-11
      Sydney FC – 2007, loan
      Accrington – 2009-10, loan
      Oldham – 2011-13
      Aris FC – 2013
      Carlisle – 2013-14
      Western Sydney Warriors – 2014-16
      Melbourne City – 2016-20
      PEC Zwolle – 2018-19, loan
      Sutton 2020-

      After sitting on the bench as Western Sydney Wanderers won the Asian Champions League in 2014, he went on to enjoy almost three good years with Melbourne City – winning the Australian FA Cup.
      But he moved back to the UK last year after his girlfriend – Australia Women star Steph Catley – signed for Arsenal.
      Bouzanis joined Sutton and was ever present as he helped them stun the National League by winning the title and promotion to the Football League.
      He said: “Steph and I have been together for five years. We did long distance at the start of our relationship because she was playing in America but when she signed for Arsenal I wanted to come back to England.
      Bouzanis and his football star girlfriend, Steph Catley

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      “Matt Gray, the gaffer here, rang my agent and said they were interested and I didn’t think twice.
      “It has been a blessing in disguise to come to a club that is so humble and have so many good people around.
      “The gaffer has done unbelievable things for the club. It’s the first time we’ve been promoted to the EFL and I hope we can achieve even greater things.” More

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      Chelsea rookie keeper Nathan Baxter hoping Hull City loan transfer will help him become Blues and England No1

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      NATHAN BAXTER is going to extraordinary lengths to fulfill his dream of becoming a high-flier with Chelsea and England.That includes shrugging off injury and paying his own air fares simply to bond with team-mates during one of SIX previous loans from the Premier League giants.
      Nathan Baxter saves from Rangers’ Ryan Kent while on loan at Ross CountyCredit: The Sun

      Keeper Baxter is about to embark on the seventh and most challenging yet – at Championship newcomers Hull City.
      For someone who spends his working days stuck in a box 18 by 36 yards, dedicated Baxter has travelled further than most players of the same age.
      From non-League to Scottish Premier League, ambitious Baxter will let nothing get in the way of his ultimate goal of becoming Chelsea’s No1.
      Not even when having just joined SPL side Ross County two seasons ago, he was sent back to London with a shoulder problem.
      Baxter, 22, said: “I’d fly up most weeks, home and away. I would do physio at Chelsea Monday to Friday, then book a flight to Scotland and go up to watch the boys, because I wanted to feel like I was part of the team.
      “The manager wanted me to stay in the hotel the night before the game with the boys and they really kept me involved.
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      “Even though I was back at Chelsea doing rehab I still felt like a Ross County player and that helped.
      “As soon as I was fit I was back in the team then playing against Celtic live on Sky. Playing at Celtic and Rangers means there is nothing in terms of stadium or supporters that will faze me now.
      “When I go on loan I become a player of that club. That resonates with the fans and they see someone on the pitch wearing their heart on their sleeve and giving their all for the shirt.
      “I don’t see myself as a loan player this season. I see myself as a Hull player.”
      The Tigers are back in the Championship after winning last season’s League One title.
      Baxter is now just one step down the ladder from the Premier League having taken a bold decision five years ago to swap Chelsea blue for the boys in blue.
      Hull is the latest stop on a journey which has taken in Accrington Stanley, Ross County, a record-breaking spell at Yeovil, Woking, Solihull Moors and the Isthmian League Met Police team when he was just 17.
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      Baxter is hoping to eventually become Chelsea’s No1 keeperCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      Baxter said: “Jordan Pickford went on loan and played in that division at a young age like me.
      “Pickford, Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Jack Butland, Joe Hart. They have all played lower and non-League.
      “The path I am on is one every single England goalkeeper over the last few years has been on. I have confidence that I will one day be in those shoes.
      “It was a surprise to people that a Chelsea player went to that division.
      “But me and the club thought it was the best pathway for me.
      “The Met Police’s average crowd was about 99. Quite often that would be swelled by staff members at Chelsea coming to watch me to tip it over 100.
      BAXTER FACTFILEBaxter’s clubs
      Age: 22
      Chelsea (2016-present)
      Met Police (2016-17, loan)
      Solihull Moors (2017, loan)
      Woking (2017-18, loan)
      Yeovil (2018-19, loan, pictured)
      Ross County (2019-20, loan)
      Accrington (2020-21, loan)
      Hull City (2021, loan)

      “My first game for them was an FA Cup fourth round qualifier game against a ninth-tier team – Hounslow. Hilario, the first team keeper coach at Chelsea at the time, came to watch me.
      “I didn’t feel like I was being cast aside because someone of importance was coming to watch me and it showed the club cared about me.
      “Hull is the natural progression for me. Since I have been on loan I have stepped up a division each year and challenged myself.
      “Every year I have gone on loan and found the transition into a new league easy. It is up to me to show I deserve to be in the Championship this year.
      “All the experiences haven’t just made me the player I am today but the person I am. Going on loan makes you grow up very quickly.
      “I am proud of playing at those levels at that age because it’s not easy in League Two as a 19-year-old.
      “I was so young when I reached 100, 150 games. I want to keep progressing and hoping there are more levels to climb on the next part of their journey.
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      “One day I will be good enough and will be picked and will become Chelsea’s No1.
      “The reason I have kept progressing is because I focus on that individual opportunity and I know if I don’t do the business for Hull I won’t get that opportunity.
      “I believe I am ready to play for Chelsea now. I have thought that for a long time. You have to believe in yourself. But I have to make sure I have a good season with Hull first.”
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      Premier League and EFL stars REFUSING to take Covid vaccination causing huge divide at clubs ahead of new season

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      PLAYERS are defiantly refusing to have Covid jabs — leading to divided dressing rooms just days before the new season.Many pros are opting against being vaccinated despite the virus continuing to disrupt football.
      Premier League and EFL footballers are refusing to get jabbed ahead of the new seasonCredit: Alamy
      And it is feared stars could end up missing the start of the new campaign, with the EFL kicking off on Friday night followed by the Premier League the following week.
      Some players have chosen not to get a vaccine for personal reasons, while others have refused on the grounds of their faith.
      The issue is causing major unrest at certain clubs.
      One Championship outfit has players and staff isolating after a member of the squad said no to the needle, then tested positive.
      An insider revealed: “We know people will have their own views and reasons but it’s causing friction.
      “A player here refused to be vaccinated only to catch the virus. Then in the following days other players and staff tested positive.
      “It means people are having to self-isolate and it’s causing major disruption to our planning with the season starting in a week.”
      Some clubs have struggled in recent weeks, with academies and first-team squads badly hit.
      Covid is also causing a big headache with transfers.
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      A Premier League player who caught Covid was unable to finalise a move last week, while another top star had to shelve contract talks after a positive test.
      While Manchester United were forced to withdraw from a friendly against Preston North End on Saturday, after reporting a suspected Covid outbreak at their Carrington training ground.
      However, the nine players and staff who reported positive lateral flow tests were given the all-clear a day later after more conclusive PCR tests revealed they were false positives.
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      Man Utd’s friendly with Preston OFF after coronavirus outbreak in Red Devils camp – the sun- More