Andy Carroll is finally getting the ‘keep fit’ message’ after making up his mind to start listening to people.’
His presence in the Hammers team will be crucial this season with question marks surrounding Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho fighting for fitness.
And looking to the future the 27 year old declared: ““I have to take a step back and go in the gym, do lighter work, or have a second day recovery when the lads are out on the pitch where normally I would’ve just wanted to be with them all the time.
“It is a case of learning from your mistakes. It’s been a long time now where I’ve wanted to be playing matches and not be by myself in the gym. In the past I haven’t listened and thought I could get away with it, and it hasn’t helped.
“There are a lot of people who have tried to drill it into my head for three or four years now and I haven’t really listened. So it’s about time I started.
You know, take it easy in training. For the second goal against Juventus I took out about four players, ours and theirs. In training I do that too, that’s not good for me or our players. I have to take it easier.
“My missus set the ball rolling about listening to advice, it was like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve got to listen to everyone’. And obviously it’s worked.
“It feels good having a clear run at the season. Missing pre-season and not being with the lads for a couple of months, that is really tough. You’re on catch-up, so it’s nice to be there from the start.”
He admits that England is very muh on his mind as former boss Sam Allardyce prepares to name his first squad later this month for the World Cup qualifier away to Slovakia on September 4.
Carroll, 27, said: “Obviously England is right in my head. That’s where I want to be, back in the England shirt, but I can’t get there just on the manager being my old manager at West Ham.
“It would be unfair to even think that. I’ve just got to work hard, listen to the staff at West Ham, play games, score goals and create chances and hopefully he will pick us. Nothing is a guarantee.
“I don’t think Sam being in charge gives me a better chance. Any player, every English player, wants to get into the squad, no matter who the manager is.
“The most important is to play for my club, keep fit for West Ham, score goals and then whether it’s Sam or any other manager, try and push myself on from there.
“Clearly Sam knows what I am capable of, in and out of training and in games, that’s nice to know. Hopefully I can push myself in.”
Got a lot of work to do for the mighty Hammers before you need to worry about England
Well , Andy ; West Ham missed you and a lot of fans were calling for you to be moved on due to you being regularly unavailable . We know how good you can be when you are fit and playing with discipline . So it’s good to hear the penny has finally dropped . Stay fit and control yourself and You / West Ham could have a season to be proud of .
England definitely needed you in 2016 Euro Sqaud , but I reckon that was more down to a idiot manager than your fitness . Keep trying and good days will come .
Counsellor Kevin 🙂
The only person who needs counselling is Kev once the season kicks off.He will probably be retracting his support of Slaven after 3 games again this season.But we all love Kev really 😉
I see there is some suggestion that Palace are lining up a shock move for Andy, nearly wet myself!! We finally get him fit and looking good for that tin pot outfit to benefit from, laughable journalism!!
Agree totally with Kebab & Kevin about Carroll’s priorities.The season hasn’t even kicked off and we’re already talking Carroll for the England squad.How about staying sound for one season in PL before even considering a natioal call up.Carroll wont stay sound for the season let alone play for England.IMO.If the money came for Carroll I’d grab it with both hands.Again IMO.
Mystic meg couldn’t predict the coming season let alone us supporters ? Lol.
Its in the lap of the gods now , we may get shocked. ? Pleasantly ?
Fingers crossed , he owes the club big time !!!
Carroll for England.Would it be possible for us to benefit from an injury free few months first.That would be nice.
AC ,are you really a DC **(dumb c*** )**you owe west ham**so get cracking.
You have to wonder about the man dont you.So he has probably had professional medics,managers,coaches all telling him he needs to calm down but takes no notice it seems.But now the trouble & strife tells him & he gets it.Ffs 🙂