Roker Roundup: Charlton boss explains how he stole the signature of Lyle Taylor from Sunderland

Bowyer explains how he nabbed Taylor

Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has spoke glowingly about his star player Lyle Taylor and explained just how he managed to woo the centre forward from under the noses of Sunderland when both clubs were vying for his signature last summer.

Speaking to Richard Cawley of the South London Press in the aftermath of the club’s end of season awards ceremony, where Taylor unsurprisingly scooped the club’s Player of the Year award, Bowyer said:

Lyle, he scores goals for fun, but it is not just that. It is his work-rate off the ball, he has become an all-round striker now.‎

Last night (the awards dinner on Sunday) I thanked him for choosing us, because he could’ve gone somewhere else (Sunderland) and he chose us. It’s paid off for him.‎

I met him in the summer and we had a conversation. I just persuaded him that I’ll improve you and this is the place for you, and it worked.

Hopefully now he realises he made the right choice, which I think he does.

Charlton Athletic

Saturday road closure confusion cleared up

Last night it was confirmed by the organisers of the Sunderland 5K run that the event will go ahead as planned on Saturday evening, leading to supporters wondering whether this could impact public transport and the roads surrounding the city as tens of thousands of fans descend upon Wearside to watch the play-off semi final first leg against Portsmouth.

Organiser Allison Curbishley reached out to Roker Report to clarify what they expect to happen, insisting that it shouldn’t cause too many issues for visitors who use the roads and bridges around the city when they travel in and out for the game:

There should be no disruptions to match traffic on Saturday night due to the City 5K.

The Northern Spire is the main road and bridge affected, but we all coped before it was here! Hopefully European Way will be re-opened before kick off and everything will be back open by 20:30pm - and from then on, all roads lead to Wembley!

So, there you have it - just avoid using the new bridge that stretches from Pallion to Castletown and you’ll more than likely be just fine.

As an aside, Sunderland Executive Director Charlie Methven will be running in the Sunderland 10K event on Sunday, and entries are still open until midnight tonight if you would like to join him and the thousands of others taking part.

Click here to register and for more details - what better way to shake off the post-play off win hangover than by getting a good ol’ sweat on around our fine city?

Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Alloa boss inspired by Ross

Alloa Athletic manager Jim Goodwin has cited Jack Ross as one of his inspirations for kicking on in management, insisting that the career trajectory of the current Sunderland boss gives him faith that he too can make huge strides forward in club management.

Goodwin has done a great job with our manager’s former side and was even offered Ross’ old job with St Mirren but turned it down in favour of staying with Alloa, a decision that he says he feels has been justified by all of the good work he’s been able to put in.

Speaking with the Daily Record, The Wasps manager spoke glowingly of Ross and the inspiration he takes from what he’s been able to achieve:

Alloa were great for Paul Hartley and Jack Ross and they used the club as a launch pad for bigger and better things. I have been open and honest with my chairman about how ambitious I am. I can’t wait to test myself as a full-time manager.

It is only natural to look on at Paul moving to Dundee then Jack going from Alloa to St Mirren then Sunderland and hoping one day it will be you.

I’m ready to go full-time, there is no doubt about that. Both Paul and Jack spoke highly of their stints here and I can understand why. The chairman is hands off and lets you get on with things. He doesn’t pressurise you at all.

It’s always the chairman’s wish that Alloa managers get a crack at full-time football, having earned their stripes. If certain things happen in the summer and my name gets mentioned with other clubs we will deal with it at the time. I’m delighted to be the Alloa manager and I’m already planning for next season.

SNS Group