Andy Carroll needs to win over the doubters with a top season after a first which left many dejected and worried.
The massive decision to make him the club’s record signing by £5 million and put wages of nearly £4 million a year on the table have to be repaid in goals.
Nobody inside Upton Park has anything but sympathy for the Geordie after his injury wrecked campaign but a return of two goals from 16 games was bitterly disappointing with some anxious conversations being held.
Carroll himself has declared the fans will see the best of him this season and is determined to make a real impact.
And a key insider – speaking to ClaretandHugh – made it clear this is an acid test season for the striker.
He said: “We made a massive investment in Andy and last season could hardly have been more disappointing.
“Here was one of the best young centre forwards in the country and a player who could help transform us into a very good side injured for months and then failing to find the net.
“Then came the horrible sending off at the hands of Chco Flores and a goal drought, It was a huge disappointment.
“This is a key season – we are expecting Andy Carroll to come good. Another one like last season would hurt very badly but we still have great confidence in the boy.
“He will get a full pre-season and be 100 per cent fit from the start so we are looking for something special.”
