Stephen Henderson lands Charlton Athletic goalkeeping coach gig on permanent basis

Charlton Athletic have appointed Stephen Henderson as their goalkeeping coach on a permanent basis.

The 35-year-old had initially taken on the position after Glyn Shimell left at the end of August – part of the casualty list from boss Dean Holden’s dismissal along with assistant Danny Senda – on an interim basis.

Henderson has had two matches in the role. He was part of the backroom team for head coach Michael Appleton’s first game in charge – a 1-1 draw at Stevenage earlier this month and then Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers.

Charlton technical director Andy Scott said: “We’re delighted to welcome Stephen to the club.

“He understands Michael’s philosophy and has a similar outlook on the game. Just as importantly, he knows the significance of winning for Charlton Athletic having been a player here.

“He’s had an extensive playing career at a good level and we hope that he can have a huge impact with all of our goalkeepers all the way from the first team through to the academy.”

Charlton Athletic supporters raise £1.4K in memory of young fan

A football club’s supporters came together on Saturday to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of a young fan who died last year.

The money was raised in memory of Charlton fan, Ben Jay, who sadly died in February 2022, aged just 17.

Ben’s family and friends held a bucket collection outside the Charlton Athletic FC stadium, The Valley in Leverose Way, Charlton, before their home game against Wycombe Wanderers.

The group raised more than £1,400 for the Young Lives vs Cancer charity that helped support Ben and his family throughout his illness.

Sharon Jay, Ben’s mum said: “Our son was a huge Charlton fan that followed games home and away with his friends.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Charlton FC especially Tracey Leaburn, as well as all the Charlton fans for the love and support they showed our Ben whilst fighting cancer.

“Ben had the most amazing seven months a young boy could ask for.

“Ben’s dream to walk on the pitch alongside the players was fulfilled, to have his name shouted from the stands but most of all the applause by  fans and players was truly an amazing memory for us as Ben’s parents that will forever stay in our hearts we will always and forever be grateful.”

In 2020, Ben became unwell. After multiple trips to the GP and A&E over the course of 18 months, he and his parents were told his symptoms were the cause of a long-term health condition Ben was living with.

However, after being rushed into hospital in July 2021, Ben and his family were given the devastating news that Ben had hepatocellular carcinoma, a very rare type of liver cancer.

Just one month later, Ben had his first round of chemotherapy, followed by a further six rounds over the next few months.

In November 2021, the family were told the chemotherapy wasn’t working and Ben would be moved to a palliative care plan.

Just seven months after receiving his cancer diagnosis, Ben passed away in February this year.

Alex Drury, Young Lives vs Cancer senior fundraising engagement manager for South London and Kent said: “When cancer strikes young lives we step in to help families find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.

“It was an electric atmosphere on the day and we are so grateful to Ben’s family and friends for collecting, and to everyone who donated.