It was a dream deadline day for Keshi Anderson, as the 19-year-old sealed a £35k move from non-league Barton Rovers to Premier League Crystal Palace.

The teenager made the jump from the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central after impressing Eagles scouts as a trialist for Brentford in their U21 clash with Palace, netting a six minute perfect hat trick against a defence including 31-year-old Paddy McCarthy.

Now, the man who gave Anderson his first taste of adult football has backed him to be the next star out of non league, as he spoke exclusively to FYP’s Matt Woosnam.

34-year-old Dan Kennoy stepped down as Barton Rovers’ first team boss in the summer, but not before he had seen a teenager tear up the league with 20 goals in his debut season.

Keshi Anderson picked up the top goalscorer award and the supporters’ player of the year gong at the end of season award ceremony for Rovers, and Kennoy has tipped him to be a big success at Palace.

“I wasn’t surprised [Palace bought Anderson] because there are a lot of players now, especially who are floating around the non league circuit, who have been involved in Premier League clubs [at youth level] and haven’t made it.

“He has great raw ability, he’s got great, fantastic feet, a defender can be two inches from nicking the ball but somehow his quick feet will shift it past him.”

Kennoy gave the Luton based striker his debut when he was still just 17 years old, and despite his size, he took to it like a duck to water, leading Rovers to the highest finish in their 116 year history with 20 goals to his name.

“I was the first team manager at Barton last year. Keshi came through our youth structure, reserve team and then I gave him his debut in the first team when he was still playing in the U17s. I’ve known him for three or four years now. He’s an exciting young player who had a lot of opportunities when he was younger, he was on trial at probably every club going but I think over the last 18 months he’s grown up a little bit and started taking these opportunities seriously. He’s been fantastic.

“Although he is quite small comp to a lot of non league players it didn’t faze him at all, he’s so light and nimble on his feet, he rides a challenge well, he’s got good pace and can hold the ball up intelligently. He’s a really exciting prospect and hopefully he will learn a lot at Palace and progress his career.

The 34-year-old previously managed at Hitchin Town, where current Palace U18 boss Ken Gillard spent time as assistant manager. Gillard also held the same role at Anderson’s former club, Barton Rovers. But Kennoy mentions former QPR and Brentford striker DJ Campbell, and suggests Anderson can emulate him.

“One person I grew up with and played against numerous times at non-league level was DJ Campbell and I said to Keshi two years ago that he could be that player and go on to make a good career for himself. He could be the next one to come up from lower levels at non-league and make a name for himself and have a good career. I’m not surprised; the lad has all the ability, he just needed someone to take that chance with him.

“He’s been with the youth team since he was about U14s or U15s so he has literally come through the whole structure. We’ve got a very good youth structure at the club and he has been in and around the first team training with us for the last two or three years.”

Such is the impression Anderson left on his former boss, that he is tipping him to reach the same level of another player to have dropped into non-league after failing to break through at a Premier League youth academy.

“He’s a great finisher. You’ve got a lad there in Dwight Gayle who has probably come from the same background as Keshi. I would hope that he can go on and emulate what Dwight has done. They are slightly different players, Keshi is comfortable dropping in the hole as a number 10 or he can play as a number 9 off the shoulder. He has good pace and a good footballing brain so he can get on the ball and cause people problems with threaded passes through defences, but if you give him the ball in the box he’s calm, he’s cool, he’s collected and he will finish.”

But it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the man who had 19 goals in 29 games this season prior to departing the Bedfordshire side, and it took him a while to mature into the player he has become.

“There were probably so many people telling him he was a great player he just thought it would happen naturally, but over the last 18 months he has realised it is now or never and he’s knuckled down. He struggled to get into train but in the last 18 months he has knuckled down, never missed training sessions, grown up and matured. He is looking at it as ‘this is my opportunity’. He has a good network of friends in Luton and maybe seen them break into the Luton team and he’s thinking ‘maybe I need to push on to get that opportunity.’

“He’s progressed really well over the last two months, if he continues that development curve then the next year to 18 months Palace will be sitting down and renegotiating a longer contract.

“It’s down to him to give himself a chance with his performances. I’m sure the gaffer won’t ignore him if he is scoring goals and playing well. I’m sure he will get the opportunity. It’s happened with Dwight so why not Keshi?

If Conroy already thought things were perfect, his former protegeé made him think again on Tuesday afternoon as he found the back of the net on his debut as a substitue for Palace's U21 side in a 3-0 victory over fierce rivals Millwall. 

It hasn't been a bad start to the week for Keshi Anderson. 

After Crystal Palace confirmed the signing of Fraizer Campbell from Cardiff City for a fee believed to be in the region of £600,000, Cardiff season ticket holder Chris Boodeny tells us what to expect from the new Eagles' forward. 


When Fraizer Campbell signed for City on the 21 January 2013 for £650,000 from Sunderland, I remember feeling slightly underwhelmed. Perhaps this illustrates the "divine right" Ian Holloway criticised Cardiff fans for, following a 1-1 draw at home to Blackpool in 2010. There has always been a feeling at the club that City were somehow a "sleeping giant" with a large potential catchment area, that could rival that of some established Premier League teams.

Fortunately, following a rather public ridiculing from our very own Bond Villian, Vincent Tan and the sacrifice of over 100 years of history and tradition for what has effectively been a failed marketing tool for the Far East - there's a quiet humility in the Cardiff City Stadium now, as supporters have realised just what is important in football - aside from history and tradition, it's hard work, loyalty, it's togetherness - it's the club, it's why we stand (or nowadays sit, unless you're an "Ultra") in the freezing cold on a "school night" in November.

Fraizer Campbell represents all of this.

I knew little of Fraizer Campbell before he signed, I remember he was quick, I remember seeing him on Match of the Day a few times. He was good, but I couldn't see him being the difference. I vaguely remember expecting him to play more on the wing than as an out and out striker.

However, what I'd see unfold over the 18 or so months was a hard-working, team-player who wore his heart on his sleeve. Professional footballers, especially in the top flight, are often criticised for "not caring." What you can expect to see from Fraizer is a fighter - he will literally chase anything down. He will work, and work, and work - and chase and chase and chase. For 90 minutes. Non-stop.

Aside from being a "worker," he has that touch of class, coupled with intelligence. Granted - he certainly won't get you 20 goals, probably not half that.

His intelligence, his positioning, both with and without possession is excellent. On the break, he's got the wit to identify the space, and the pace to beat the defence. Without possession, he will chase centre halves down regularly forcing mistakes, or hapless hoofs upfield - which a Tony Pulis side are more than capable of dealing with.

However, he has proved to us this season, that he can hack it when it counts. We were arguably the least creative side in the Premier League last season - however he managed to score against both Manchester clubs. A goal against Manchester United at home is a particular highlight of a cool, calm, calculated finish and the talent and finesse he does possess. The header/shoulder against Manchester City at home evidences the never say die, do anything for the cause attitude - which he has consistently displayed. I cannot remember a game where I thought he had not put a shift in, where he hadn't chased something down, nor when he had made clever diagonal runs into the box.

Tactically - I believe he will suit Palace, and think it's a rather shrewd signing. Under McKay - City played with strict, disciplined positioning - keep the shape at all costs, coupled with a relatively high press. From my limited observations of Palace, and Stoke before, Pulis applies the same disciplined approach - though arguably more able to deal with playing deeper.

What Fraizer will give you is a tireless, higher press, while defensive shape can be maintained. He played as a lone striker, for the majority of the season - and was able to chase down effectively - forcing mistakes, scraps and the aforementioned "hoofs" playing into your hands. Tireless.

As a person, he certainly appears to be a good body to have in the dressing room. Always with a smile on his face (unless giving the odd linesman a berating), a good sense of humour (please refer to the trousers up to his nipples celebration, mocking Vincent Tan) popular, a family driven young man, who's efforts, rub off on his teammates. On a few occasions you can also expect to see something, out of nothing. He genuinely seems to empathise with supporters - when things aren't going your way, your struggle will be his - you'll see this. He's not a stereotypical badge-kisser, he cares.

Though initially underwhelmed, I'm very sad to see him go. I was even going to name my terrapin after him. I suppose Dikgacoi the terrapin has a nice ring to it.

But I am glad to see his efforts rewarded with a Premier League contract. Palace will not go down, not under Pulis - and with Fraizer, you'll have another tool in your arsenal, with and without the ball. He is a fantastic team-player, and I hope he does well for you. Enjoy the Premier League - you deserve to be there, football should be about passion, hard work, belief and determination - not for advertising a Malaysian fast food chain called Kenny Rogers' Roasters.

Side issue - quick hats off for the efforts re: the atmosphere at Selhurst Park and on the road (I believe you were voted the best away following at the CCS this year), critics say it's a bit contrived - but like the Woody Allen film, Whatever Works - and it works.

Patrick Stevens doesn't much sympathy for Tony Pulis after leaving Palace - and here's why...

Well, so glad everyone didn't over react! 

Right, let's get the obvious out of the way first,.. Tony Pulis did a great job for us last year and we all wanted him to stay.....But he hasn't. 

We are all gutted, of course, and many immediately looked around for someone to blame; and (for me sadly) many didn't have to look much further than our owner and financial backer Steve Parish. I mean, Tony Pulis is the manager of the year, he kept us up last season, we even started calling ourselves Crystal Pulis for goodness sake - it can't possibly be his fault - can it? 

Well let's all just take a breath and have a look at that for a moment shall we?

First. What about Steve Parish's record too? With CPFC 2010 he saved us from the brink of extinction, (oh no, not that old chestnut I hear many cry - but, please, it is possibly the most important thing in our history) he then set a five year plan to get us into the premiership and the got there even quicker; he took us to wembley; he kept us up in the premiership for the first time in our history; he fought for Pulis for a month while others ridiculed him for taking so long; and he backed Pulis in the January transfer window.

So, his track record at Palace isn't too bad is it? and it's a bit longer than 9 quick months ; know what I mean!? 

Now, let's look at perhaps why Pulis has really gone... Over an apparent failure by the Board to spend what they say we cannot afford... Just yet. Let's not forget that they are long term fans who have our future in mind and have learned from previous mistakes. They also have already secured Chamakh and Jedi by upping the maximum wages we pay, they kept Jules when TP clearly had other ideas, and they have got in 3 proven premiership internationals with the promise of 4-5 more before the window closes. 

Yes, I can see why Pulis would throw his toys out of the pram at that! And I can see why he would have to do it with only two days to the opening of the new season, leaving us high and dry. Come one... we are in a far better place than when He took over, and he knew what he was accepting. He's not stupid. So there has to be more to it that that. 

And what about the timing? Did this really have to happen two days before the start of the season? Or has Pulis just decided he doesn't care enough. And if we think about this sensibly for a moment, is there possibly a different, more realistic reason why Pulis walked on us now? And if there is should some of those abusing Parish on the internet stop and think they might be wrong. Or at least hear his side?

For me , Pulis knew, on the back of last season's miracles (which btw Keith Millen and the players had already started before he was appointed) and after a summer of swanning around Brazil being feted by the media, that his star may never shine brighter. What better time to cash in and move to a bigger richer club? He knows he will get another top job soon enough in this desperate crazy premiership world, and we will be just a happy notch on his CV. He was never in this for the long haul - I mean he nearly walked in January after two short months. And, with that in mind, what big deal is it to him to leave us a day before we need to be focused? Obviously, he thought he'd give it a go first in pre season and see if the club would cabe in to pressure or panic and spend but when they didn't he sling his hook. I for one think it is to their credit, that CPFC2010 didn't start splashing the money And I think it is to his discredit that Pulis walked. 

We are NOT QPR with their Rio and Samba grandstand signings. And Pulis knew that when he took the job But with Parish in charge, thankfully we will neither be Portsmouth - unless the abuse drives him away and some one who doesn't care buys the club. 

And that's what it comes down to for me. 

This week I talked of some of our fans having a sense of entitlement I used to only hear at Utd and Chelski.; just spend millions we are premier league for goodness sake ! Well we are, but only just, and with a lot of hard work ahead. And we risk everything if we forget that - EVERY thing. 

So, please don't and get behind the climb. Let's say thanks for the memories Tony (and Ian and Dougie) but I will get behind team palace - from the board to the groundsman. Those who were here long before you and will be here long after you : I mean, you didn't even stay as long as Owen Garvan!

And to those abusing the owners and worse still their family I beg you, stop. These guys saved us, took us to the promised land and kept us there. They have been open, honest and kept their word to us every step of the way. And some of you have judged and convicted them without even waiting to hear their side. I have rarely felt less impressed. And I love Palace fans. 

So, onwards and upwards (I'll also take sideways, or even accept downwards) and get behind the team. From top to bottom Because we have a job to do, and that is to support the club. 

To Support 

1. to sustain or withstand (pressure, strain, etc.) without giving way; serve as a prop for.

2. to undergo or endure, especially with patience 

Never has it been more needed and we can do it best - if only we stick together. 

Right, so that’s the World Cup done. Pre-season starts in earnest tomorrow for Palace, with a game against Austrian side GAK Graz, and the club will likely begin their recruitment drive in the coming weeks. One player who IS going to be there is Marouane Chamkh, who signed a two-year deal last week. Who else could be joining him in the latest chapter of the Palace revolution?! Well, let’s have a look…

Defence

Steven Caulker – Cardiff City – £8m

Palace are supposedly making a late bid for centre-back Steven Caulker, with the alternatively option seemingly being Harry Redknapp’s QPR. A recent update from national newspapers suggests Caulker is close to a move to Palace, while Sky Sports News reckon he’s edging towards a move to QPR. I bet he ends up at Burnley, just to piss us all off.

Liam Ridgewell – West Brom – Free

A decent defender who can play across the back four, Ridgewell has knowledge of relegation battles with West Brom and Birmingham City, but it’s not his playing ability that he’s most famous for. Nope, that honour goes to the image of him wiping his bottom with £50 notes. He has also been linked to the MLS’s Portland Timbers. There haven’t been any further reports however.

Matt Besler – Sporting Kansas City - £3m

27-year-old American centre-back Matt Besler was briefly linked with Palace by the Daily Mail. Besler had an impressive World Cup alongside Omar Gonzalez (a player I liked the look of…) and, despite his lack of height, he looked more than capable against some of the World’s better wingers.

Craig Dawson – West Brom – £5m

There’s a fair bit of focus on improving Palace’s defensive strength, this summer. And rightly so. With no recognised left-back to call upon and one less centre-back for back-up, Palace need some defenders. Dawson would be an ideal signing for Palace, but it’s unlikely that West Brom would entertain a bid.

Brede Hangeland – Fulham – Free

He fits the bill for what Palace should be looking for – experienced, strong, well-regarded and a leader – and Palace have supposedly already made contact with the Norwegian. Hangeland was unceremoniously released by Fulham, who informed him of their decision not to renew his contract by email. Stay classy.

Charlie Mulgrew – Celtic - £5m

Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew would provide Palace with exactly the kind of flexibility that the club needs, with an ability to play in defence or midfield. With Pulis looking for a left-back, Mulgrew is a player he’s supposedly interested in recruiting – and he’s the kind that would definitely improve Palace’s back line. We’ve not heard any more about a potential bid.

Midfielders

Gilfy Sigurdsson – Tottenham Hotspur - £8m

What a signing this guy would be. As we mentioned earlier this week, Palace have had a bid for the attacking midfielder accepted. It doesn’t mean much however as reports suggest he’s waiting to see whether any other potential moves materialise. In a World where the player is king, we don’t blame him – although obviously a move to Selhurst Park is what we all want to see.

Steven N’Zonzi – Stoke City – £6m

As Stoke City’s best midfielder, the chances of Palace securing the Frenchman are greatly reduced. However, having previously worked with Tony Pulis, and with Stoke signing Steve Sidwell earlier this month, Palace would be foolish not to at least tempt Stoke with a bid. N’Zonzi also submitted a transfer request last summer, indicating that he’s not entirely happy at the Staffordshire club.

Jonjo Shelvey – Swansea – £5m

The Daily Mail are reporting that TP is keen on the former Liverpool man to bolster the midfield. Palace were linked with Shelvey last summer so the reports make sense and he would be a very good addition, but Swansea could well want a high fee for him.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov – Spartak Moscow – £1.5m

Left-mid Bilyaletdinov has had a bit of a tough time since his big move to Everton a few season’s ago petered out into a disappointing spell – and his return to Russia hasn’t helped matters much. The winger, fast, direct and with a penchant for cutting inside, would add depth to Palace’s variety of attacking options. The two parties are said to be in discussions.

Will Buckley – Brighton & Hove Albion - £3m

Linked with Palace during the January transfer window, a return move for the attacking midfielder shouldn’t be completely dismissed.

Emyr Huws – Manchester City – Loan

Who needs vowels when you can have Huws? City’s 20-year-old Welsh midfielder is another player who fits the description of what Pulis is reportedly looking for – a strong defensive midfielder capable of breaking up play and picking a pass. He has also been linked with Swansea City (the team Manchester City signed him from) and Stoke City.

Forwards

Joel Campbell – Arsenal – Loan

Given his performance in Costa Rica’s amazing World Cup run, which saw them reach the Quarter Finals, Campbell might not be as likely to make a move to Palace he would have prior to the competition. A place in Arsenal’s team next season wouldn’t be undeserved.

Islam Slimani – Sporting Lisbon – Enquired

Palace are said to have made an enquiry to Sporting Lisbon about signing one of Algeria’s better World Cup performers. Slimani, 25, is a pacey striker capable of playing on the wing. West Ham are also said to be interested.

Nicklas Bendtner – Arsenal – Free

The slightly crazy striker was on Palace’s radar during last summer’s window, and one year later there’s still a chance he might attract some interest from Palace. With the right guidance he might just sort his act out – but his behaviour over the last year or two suggests it could be quite a project.

Tommy Oar – FC Utrecht - £3m

Australian national Tommy Oar didn’t have an amazing World Cup but put in a decent shift, and the 22-year-old would be another player capable of adding some quality to Palace’s wing options.

Fraizer Campbell – Cardiff City - £600,000

Fraizer Campbell would be an interesting signing. He didn’t exactly score a vast number of goals last season but, in a poor Cardiff City side, that’s hardly surprising. Capable of playing on the wing or as a striker, Campbell would add some depth to Palace’s attacking options. As we revealed, the club have had a bid accepted for him – now it’s just a matter of working out the contractual details.

Peter Crouch – Stoke City – £4m

Lazy journalism? Probably. Crouch was always likely to be linked with a reunion with Pulis. He’d provide something a little different up front for Palace, but he’s not exactly a signing to get excited about. Mark Hughes has however denied that Crouch could be leaving the Staffordshire club.

Connor Wickham – Sunderland - £5m

With some performances that were crucial to Sunderland’s Premier League safety bid, it seems crazy that Sunderland might sell him. Leicester City are reported to have made a bid and Tony Pulis was desperate to sign him in January – which means a Palace bid wouldn’t be unlikely.

Wilfried Zaha – Manchester United – Loan/Permanent

We couldn’t, surely? He wouldn’t, surely?

Linked but ruled out…

Joleon Lescott – Manchester City – Free (signed for West Brom)

Kyle Lafferty – Palermo – £3m (signed for Norwich City)

Jake Livermore – Tottenham Hotspur - £8m (signed for Hull City)

Michu – Swansea – Likely to confirm a move to Napoli shortly.