Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to visit Pennyhill Park and, among the guests relaxing in the lounge, I spotted none other than Andy Carroll. What struck me most was that while everyone else seemed dressed for the setting, Carroll stood out in a tracksuit. It was an image that summed him up perfectly: unapologetically himself.
Carroll’s time at West Ham United was ultimately defined by frustration as much as promise. Injuries repeatedly interrupted his career in east London, leaving him sidelined for significant periods during his seven-year spell with the club. Despite those setbacks, he still managed 34 goals in 142 appearances and remained a player many supporters desperately wanted to succeed.
He was one of those footballers who always appeared to give everything when he stepped onto the pitch.
For that reason, I was eager to read his recently released autobiography, Owning It: In My Own Words.
The book charts Carroll’s football journey from Newcastle United to his current role at Dagenham & Redbridge, taking in spells at Liverpool, West Ham, Reading, West Bromwich Albion, Amiens and Bordeaux along the way. It is not a tale of football superstardom, but rather one of personal growth, hard lessons and a changing outlook on life.
One of the most interesting themes throughout the book is Carroll’s evolving attitude towards wealth and status. He reflects on how material possessions gradually became less important as he got older. His time in France, particularly at Bordeaux, appears to have reinforced that perspective. Far removed from the Premier League spotlight, he found himself playing football in modest surroundings and rediscovering the simple enjoyment of the game.
From a West Ham perspective there are also some revealing observations about the managers he worked under, including Sam Allardyce, Slaven Bilic, David Moyes and Manuel Pellegrini. His comments on Moyes’ tactical approach are particularly noteworthy, suggesting that the emphasis on structure sometimes made the team too predictable regardless of the opposition.
Having recently finished Michail Antonio’s autobiography, I was intrigued by Carroll’s assessment of both his former teammate and the London Stadium. Some of his views may surprise supporters, although his criticism of the stadium’s atmosphere during its early years will likely resonate with many fans. Carroll describes it as lacking the intimacy and character of a traditional football ground, especially in its first season as West Ham’s home.
Carroll’s ‘worldie’ in a West Ham shirt
What emerges throughout the book is a picture of a player who has gained perspective. The perception of Carroll as merely a headline-generating footballer is challenged by a surprisingly reflective and self-aware account of his career.
He discussed mental health, and also reveals a disturbing incident that occurred to him, which the National press have since reported on.
Now 37, Carroll remains deeply involved in football at Dagenham & Redbridge as a player, assistant manager and minority shareholder. He appears to be relishing this latest chapter, embracing the game on his own terms while passing on his experience to others.
Owning It: In My Own Words is not a story of unfulfilled potential or regret. Instead, it is the account of a footballer who has made peace with the twists and turns of his career. Whether you admired him, criticised him or simply wondered what might have been, Carroll’s story is an engaging and honest read that reveals far more than the headlines ever did.
The scissor kick against Crystal Palace. The hat-trick against Arsenal in 2016. Those are the moments that define Andy Carroll’s West Ham career for me. He had the talent to become a club legend, but sadly injuries denied both him and the fans that storybook.