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      Charlton wonderkid Karoy Anderson only made his senior debut a year ago but is already an international football star

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      KAROY ANDERSON had a remarkable first year in senior football.The Charlton midfield wonderkid made his league debut, within two months was playing for Jamaica, racked up 24 league starts and played at the Copa America.Charlton wonderkid Karoy Anderson has had an incredible first year in senior footballCredit: JUSTIN ALLENAll this and he is still only 19.The academy-graduate though is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.He told SunSport: “If you look far ahead, you get lost in the future. If you look into the past you can get stuck there.“It was a great opportunity and experience to go to the Copa America, to participate in a tournament that size. I didn’t think about the magnitude of it until I got there.“The atmosphere was unbelievable. It was the nature of the games and what it meant, especially for my family and the people of Jamaica. It was humbling. read more football“It was exciting – the fans, stadiums and being able to travel to see difference places but also take business seriously.”Anderson came on as a late sub against Ecuador and played the last 22 minutes of the final group match with Venezuela.In the Jamaica squad he played and trained alongside the likes of West Ham star Michail Antonio, ex-Leicester, Everton and Birmingham ace Demari Gray and Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock.And, also in the group, was his Charlton team-mate Michael Hector.Most read in SportAnderson said: “I learned so much. I saw how they carried themselves and their application to training every day. They’re at a high level and been there for a while. You see what habits have ultimately kept them there, their mindset and preparation.“I got on with the majority of the team. I was room-mates with Dexter Lembikisa from Wolves. He’s been on loan at Hearts in Scotland.EFL goalkeeper sends fans into meltdown with utterly ridiculous ‘skill of the season’ in pre-season clash”It was a good experience to speak to someone like that and learn things from someone who is a similar age to me and who is at a Premier League club.”And in the Venezuela game, the Charlton kid faced former Newcastle, Everton and West Brom ace Salomon Rondon.But Anderson said while he was out there he was so zoned into the game he did not take notice who he was up against.And he said: “I didn’t think about other players in the moment. After the game you think, “Oh, I played against him” but in the moment I see it as football.”We’re all on the same pitch and on the same level. I don’t look at players and think, ‘wow.’ Of course, it was nice to share the pitch with big names.”Anderson’s mum is Jamaican while his dad also descends from there.And while he did once harbour ambition to play for England in recent years his heart was set on playing for the Caribbean island.The midfielder said: “Because I was born and raised in South London, when I was younger I was thinking about playing for England but as I got older I spent a lot of time going with my mum to different places and interacting with Jamaican people.”Also with my brother too. We spoke about what it would be like to play for Jamaica, what it means to everyone back home and how proud they would be. For that reason, it wasn’t a question who I’d play for.”And there was never a question that Anderson would not play for his local club.READ MORE SUN STORIESCharlton boss Nathan Jones can use the vast experience he gained at Luton to plot a way up to the ChampionshipKaroy Anderson is hoping to help Charlton win promotion this seasonCredit: JUSTIN ALLENThroughout his journey through the academy he often played a year, two years, even three years above his age-group as his coaches constantly challenged him to step up in class.Anderson may not have been star-struck while playing in the Copa America but certainly was when he used to be a ball-boy at The Valley.He said: “I was a scholar at Charlton and we’d be ballboys at the games. As a kid, that was so exciting and I loved watching players like Joe Gomez. Even though we don’t play in the same position, seeing his journey has been really inspiring.”One of the midfielder’s middle names is Zidane — due to his mum’s admiration for Zinedine — but his idol growing up was another French superstar, Paul Pogba.He said: “I loved him when he was at Juventus, how exciting he was. I look up to those sort of players.”Anderson is hoping to help the Addicks climb out of League One at the fifth attempt.And in Nathan Jones they have a manager who has been there and done it – as he was instrumental in Luton’s climb from League Two to the brink of the Premier League.The rookie midfield ace added: “Everyone trusts him and knows he knows what it takes to get out of his league and will do his best to bring this group to where the club can be. There is complete trust and we follow him.“Our aim is to get promoted – it’s as simple as that.” More

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      What is Sky Sports+? How can I watch it, what does it mean for iFollow and how many EFL matches are shown?

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      SKY SPORTS have launched a brand new service – and fans of the EFL are in for a treat!Every Carabao Cup game plus four times the amount of EFL games will be available this season on Sky Sports+.Championship games are live on Sky Sports+Credit: PAWhat is Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ provides Sky Sports subscribers with 50 per cent more sport at no extra cost, according to Sky.This includes EFL coverage, with more than 1,000 live matches and every Carabao Cup fixture, as well as all games from the men’s rugby Super League.Meanwhile, tennis fans will have access to more than 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP, and WTA tours.What is on Sky Sports+?Watch your EFL team over 20 times a season, liveEnjoy over 1,000 live EFL games, including every Carabao Cup fixtureWatch every match from the men’s Rugby Super LeagueOver 100 tournaments across the US Open, ATP and WTA tours Offers the capability to show up to 100 events concurrentlyHow can I watch Sky Sports+?Sky Sports+ is now available on Sky TV and on the Sky Sports mobile app for full Sky Sports subscribers.Just select the game you want to watch on the Sky TV homepage, which will show all current live matches to to stream.You can also press the microphone button on your Sky remote, and then say the name of your club and it will show what games are available.Additionally, non-Sky TV subscribers can purchase a NOW.TV subscription which will provide access to all of the Sky Sports+ streams.What does it mean for iFollow?Sky Sports have said in a statement that Sky Sports+ has replaced iFollow in the UK.Most read in EFLSky said: “iFollow and club streams will cease to offer coverage of EFL matches in the UK & Ireland.”Instead, all televised matches will be live on Sky Sports via Sky and streaming service NOW each season. All 72 teams will be featured over 20 times a season on Sky Sports.” More

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      I left Arsenal job with Mikel Arteta to manage in non-league… my wife was absolutely mortified

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      ANDY WOODMAN swapped a cushy job as Arsenal goalkeeper coach to slum it in non-league as Bromley boss.Even his own wife thought he was off his trolley.Andy Woodman celebrates leading Bromley to promotion at Wembley in MayAndy Woodman swapped the cushy surroundings of the Premier League for non-league by taking the Bromley jobBut three-and-a-half years later — thanks to a “no dickheads policy” and introducing a more professional environment — he has taken the club into the EFL for the first time in their 132-year history.Woodman, 52, worked under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta — but the lure of managing was too great.He told SunSport: “When I decided to jump from the Premier League to the National League, the response I got from my wife was horrific.“I had a dream job at Arsenal in charge of goalkeeping for five years and, prior to that, I’d been working with Alan Pardew for many years.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“But this opportunity came up and, after speaking to the owner Robin Stanton-Gleaves, hearing his vision and knowing in his business life everything he touches was successful, it made sense to go for it.“Everyone has that inner manager in them and at my age it was probably my last chance.“It was brave to jump. I was in a secure job but felt it was something I had to have a go at otherwise I’d have forever been wondering what might have been.”Woodman found himself switching from a plush office with 200 staff at London Colney to operating from a tiny Portakabin, that doubled up as the club shop with only his assistant, former Millwall and Orient right-back Alan Dunne.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd they quickly set about creating a more professional culture at the Kent club alongside the owner.He said: “I’ve been in football 37 years. You learn from people like Wenger, Arteta, Pardew and Emery. Awkward Dominic Solanke interview emerges as Tottenham close in on transfer for Bournemouth star “You look at what they do and how they operate. Then you have the backdrop of all the staff behind them and how professional the clubs are run and the attention to detail.“Here we cannot afford all the staff but we can equip ourselves with the right culture and professionalism.“There’s no criticism intended of anyone who came before us — but having a players’ meeting in a bar isn’t professional.“Getting on a coach with all the back office staff and fans having a beer isn’t professional.Arsene Wenger never wasted words says Andy WoodmanAndy Woodman and his Bromley team hold aloft the National League play-off winners trophy at Wembley after winning promotion to the EFL for the first timeWoodman’s three Arsenal bosses …HERE’S what Andy Woodman thought of the three managers he served while working with the North London giants in charge of goalkeeping.ARSENE WENGERBRILLIANT. The guy knew every single person at the training ground, every single job and role they’ve done. He spoke to everyone minimally but when he did you felt like a god. He had a real knack.The last year at Arsenal, there was a lot of unfair noise and anger directed at him — but he remained the same guy every day. He didn’t waste words but you’d hang on every one he uttered.UNAI EMERYHE and his staff were excellent. I liked how they worked today. They followed a legend in Wenger and perhaps reflect now that they tried to do too much, too soon.They were professional and left no stone unturned. Unbelievable people who I still speak to now.MIKEL ARTETAMIKEL had his ways and beliefs — and didn’t divert from those. He made some big and bold decisions.He got loads of criticism early on but, because of his Arsenal legend status, got longer to get his vision across to the team and everyone else.And look where he is now. The job he’s done is incredible.“Preparing a training session in a bar the morning the lads were going out to train while they were having breakfast isn’t professional.“We didn’t have GPS here. We had limited amount of staff, very little training kit, little amounts of balls.“It’s all well for me to say what I want and how we’re going to do it — but I needed an owner was was going to back and deliver it with me. “And he did, we worked out our vision which was to get this club into the EFL and didn’t cut any corners.“Once you get that professional mindset, you start acting like a League Two club.”Woodman — a decades-old friend of Gareth Southgate who was best man at his wedding in 1997 — had a long career in the lower leagues.After being released by Crystal Palace in 1994, he went on to play for Exeter, Northampton, Brentford, Colchester, Oxford, Stevenage, Southend and Rushden & Diamonds.And Woodman — whose son Freddie is a goalkeeper at Preston — has seen the way management has evolved since he first started out.He said: “You cannot shout at people, flip tables and chuck cups of tea anymore.“You cannot be this hierarchy boss that no-one can speak to.“I’ve seen some managers trying to manage like that — but we all want to play for someone who respects us. “I’ve just brought that personality of mine with the respect value and treating people right because I don’t want my own son being treated wrong in the game.“We’ve a brilliant group of players here. We’ve a no dickheads polity. We don’t sign them. “If we have one, which we have had, I’ve got rid of them straight away. “We’ve no superstars, no egos and a group of players that are all happy to graft for one another.”In Woodman’s office is a year planner and on the square that says August 10 2024 he has penned: “Start of promotion-winning season.”He said: “If I say we’re just going to try to survive and see what happens game-by-game, my team will develop that mindset. That has never been my mantra. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You must set a target and aim for it. If you don’t hit it or fall short, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.“The embarrassment should be the people who don’t have a target.” More

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      EFL goalkeeper sends fans into meltdown with utterly ridiculous ‘skill of the season’ in pre-season clash

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      SWANSEA CITY goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux stunned fans with his “skill of the season” in a pre-season clash.The shot-stopper made a move from relegated Burnley to the Welsh side this summer on a two-year deal.Lawrence Vigouroux stunned fans with the ‘skill of the season’ in Swansea’s pre-season clash against FC KolnThe shot-stopper executed a 360-spin before he took his goal kickCredit: XVigouroux has just arrived at the Welsh club from BurnleyCredit: XThe England goalkeeper signed a two-year deal with the Championship sideCredit: GettyAfter coming off the bench in Swansea’s pre-season friendly against FC Koln on Wednesday Vigouroux did not hold back in showing his new team his utterly ridiculous skill.The Chilean player executed a superb 360-degree spin and then dropped the ball on his foot as he readied himself for the goal kick.And fans have called the donned the Championship side news goalkeeper with the “skill of the season”.Another added: “You either have it or you don’t.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third then put: “Coldddddddddd.”While a fourth said: “Making sure nobody is hiding behind him. Sensible.”However, his impressive talent was not enough to keep a clean sheet as Koln beat Luke Williams’ side 2-1.Vigouroux hoped to become a Premier League star after graduating from the Tottenham Academy and signing his first professional contract in June 2013.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut following a disappointing loan stint at non-league side Hyde, the North London-born star made another attempt at securing a Premier League opportunity with Liverpool.At Anfield, Vigouroux quickly became the first-choice goalkeeper for the reserve side and then signed a two-year contract at the Reds.Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promiseThen a successful loan at Swindon Town saw the goalkeeper make a permanent move to the League One side in 2015.He then went on loan to Waterford followed by a transfer to Chilean side Everton de Vina del Mar in 2019.Having left the South American side without making a single appearance Vigiouroux headed to East London side Leyton Orient for three seasons making over 152 appearances.The goalie then joined newly promoted Premier League side Burnley in 2023 but the shot-stopper still could not secure a Premier League start. More

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      Fans go wild for ‘truly silly pre-season strike’ but left utterly baffled by what goalscorer did immediately after

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      FANS have gone wild for a spectacular goal scored in pre-season.Portsmouth star Ryley Towler caught the eye with an audacious effort against Havant & Waterlooville.Ryley Towler beat two players before letting fly from distanceCredit: Portsmouth FCHe caught the ball sweetly as it sailed over the keeper’s headCredit: Portsmouth FCThe keeper was helpless as the ball found the top cornerCredit: Portsmouth FCPompey beat their non-league counterparts 3-0 in their second pre-season friendly, having previously beaten Gosport Borough 3-1.Towler, wearing the captain’s armband, stole the show with a superb solo effort to double Portsmouth’s lead.The centre-back picked up the ball from his goalkeeper inside his own penalty area before marauding up the pitch.He went past two opponents with clever feints and quickly found himself over the halfway line.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTowley then looked up and with no options available decided to loft the ball over the goalkeeper and into the top corner, much to the delight of the travelling fans.The strike also caused a stir on social media where fans were quick to praise the 22-year-old, though some were left baffled by the fact he did not celebrate.One fan wrote: “Don’t care if it’s pre-season or not, how are you not celebrating that.”Another added: “I’d be running crazy all-over the place after a goal like that, big celebration there for me.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third said: “Filthy.”And another commented: “What a player.”Towler’s incredible strike came on the same evening Robbie Brady scored from a similar distance for Preston to hand Arne Slot a defeat in his first match in charge of Liverpool.Towler did not even bother celebrating his audacious effortCredit: Portsmouth FCWatch moment Ryan Reynolds is surprised by Wrexham star live on BBC Radio 1 More

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      EFL club’s dream of building new £130m, 16,000-seater stadium on 250-YEAR deal given major boost

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      CHAMPIONSHIP club Oxford United have received a huge boost in their plans to build a new stadium.The U’s, who were promoted to England’s second tier following promotion from League One last season, drew up plans for a £130million project allowing them to build a new home.Oxford United have received a boost for plans to build a new £130m stadiumThe club’s lease on the Kassam Stadium runs out in 2026Credit: PAOxford United currently play at the 12,500-capacity Kassam Stadium, which was built in 1997 and opened in 2001.However, the lease on their current home – owned by Firoka who are operated by the club’s former owner Firoz Kassam – runs out in 2026.And Oxford chiefs have wasted no time in trying to secure the team’s long-term foundations.In October 2023 the club released details for plans to relocate to a new home at the Triangle near Kidlington, and move into the Cherwell district.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 16,000-seater stadium would see the club sign a staggering 250-year deal, according to BBC Oxford Sport.The club had been granted permission for the stunning build back in May after signing a provisional legally binding agreement with Oxfordshire County Council.However, the deal hinged on them gaining permission from Cherwell District Council.In great news for the project, on Monday Oxford councillors voted in favour of the motion tabled by Labour member Mary Clarkson to “support” their plan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSShe said the body wants the club to be “secure in a new stadium which offers a lot of improvements”.And it now means a planning permission application could be submitted to Cherwell District Council early next year.Work out which global sporting icon lives in this waterside padOn the move, chairman of the OxVox independent supporters’ trust, Paul Peros, said it would improve infrastructure and bring “vitality to the area”.He added the club and councils “can’t let the vocal minority rob us of that chance”.However, opponents to the move have highlighted the loss of green belt land along with traffic and pollution issues. More

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      Why England were the Spurs of Euro 2024 with results equivalent to 1-0 win over Preston and 0-0 with Exeter

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      ENGLAND’S rocky road to the final saw results equivalent to Tottenham failing to beat Exeter and Portsmouth in 90 minutes.The performances of Gareth Southgate’s side were far from convincing throughout the Euros – with it coming to a devastating end at the last hurdle against Spain.Gareth Southgate’s side stumbled to the finalCredit: PAEngland drew with Slovenia, who are 57th in the world rankingsCredit: RexDomestically, Slovakia have been compared to PortsmouthCredit: APEngland currently sit fifth in the Fifa world rankings and when comparing the list to the football pyramid, that would make the Three Lions the equivalent of Spurs, who finished in the Premier League.England kicked-off their tournament by holding on for a nervy 1-0 win over Serbia.They are 32nd in world rankings and in the English football pyramid, that side is Preston.Next up was a bore 1-1 draw with Denmark and again converting the international positions to domestic, the Danes are the equivalent to Leicester.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Another dull draw followed against Slovenia and they are ranked 57th by Fifa.Exeter, who finished 13th in League One last season, are their EFL equivalents. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the saviours as the Three Lions left it late to beat Slovakia 2-1 in extra-time.The Slovakians are 43rd in the world, according to Fifa, which puts them in the position of third tier champions Portsmouth.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s results in domestic positionsEngland and Tottenham both fifth in Fifa world rankings and Premier League respectively. Converting nations into their domestic positions, England’s results would be:Spurs 1-0 Preston Spurs 1-1 Leicester Spurs 0-0 ExeterSpurs 2-1 Portsmouth (AET)Spurs 1-1 Burnley (5-3 on Penalties)Spurs 2-1 NewcastleSpurs 1-2 Man Utd England beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-final as the heroes converted all five spot-kicks.The Swiss are ranked 19th in the world, which would see them in the Premier League relegation zone, taking Burnley’s place.Gareth Southgate drops quit hint on live TV minutes after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final lossOllie Watkins was the hero as England booked their spot in the final by beating Holland 2-1.Newcastle and the Dutch both find themselves in seventh.And finally, it was a 2-1 defeat to Euros winners Spain in what could be Southgate’s last game in charge.La Roja are set to rise up the rankings after clinching glory – but coming into the tournament they were in eighth place.Manchester United were eighth in the Prem last season as Erik ten Hag just about clung onto his job. Fifa world rankings – top tenRankings correct of June 20.ArgentinaFrance BelgiumBrazilEnglandPortugal HollandSpainCroatia Italy More

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      Sheff Utd facing disciplinary probe after rivals complain that investors trying to buy club have already broken rules

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      SHEFFIELD UNITED are facing a disciplinary probe after rivals complained to the EFL over their proposed takeover.A group of US investors are trying to buy the Blades and have been accused of breaking rules by conducting transfer business before completing their takeover.Manager Chris Wilder is unable to make signings until the takeover is completeCredit: ReutersSunSport has learned the EFL have received reports that representatives of Sheffield United’s incoming owners, a mystery group based in California, have become involved in transfer negotiations.The EFL are believed to be looking into the matter which could result in disciplinary action.Birmingham are also being investigated over alleged breaches of EFL regulation 86, as a group seeking to buy the club last year are accused of running operations despite not receiving formal approval or passing the owners and directors test. The proposed £35m takeover by Maxco subsequently collapsed, but the EFL still charged the individuals involved, with former Charlton chief executive Matt Southall, former Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez and local businessman Paul Richardson all given bans from acting as directors.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe EFL have subsequently reminded all their members that incoming owners cannot act on behalf of the club they are seeking to buy, which has led to several querying Sheffield United’s recent transfer activity.With the Blades in limbo while the takeover drags on the club are in a difficult position, with the Championship season starting in less than a month. Chris Wilder’s squad is in desperate need of reinforcements after 10 players were released following relegation from the Premier League last season, with four loan players also leaving Bramall Lane.Sheffiled United have been on the market for some time, with owner Prince Abdullah last year agreeing a £100milllion-plus deal to sell to Dozy Mmobuosi.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the Nigerian businessman failed to satisfy the EFL’s owners and directors test and was later charged with fraud in the United States. The club remain hopeful that the two unnamed Americans fronting the consortium will complete a deal before the start of the season.Fans ask ‘did the Year 8s have the gym booked out’ as EFL star forced to do fitness induction in CANTEENThe bidders have not been named, but are understood to be the founders of a capital investment fund based in California. Although the pair are eager to maintain a low profile they are believed to have attended Blades games last season.Sheffield United and the EFL declined to comment. More