Andy Carroll’s first team future is again under the spotlight as the Irons prepare for a return to action following the international break.
Although – according to the best predictions – the Geordie striker won’t be ready until November 29, many inside the club are questioning how he can dislodge either of goal-scoring Diafra Sakho or the often magical Enner Valencia.
Co chairman David Gold has made it clear to ClaretandHugh in various interviews the striker faces huge competition.
There has even been talk of a possible sale to Newcastle United and although that has been denied, were an offer to be made we might find ourselves in an entirely different ball game.
Now Sam Allardyce’s Number Two Neil McDonald has agreed that it’s going to be difficult for the record signing shift either of the present front two admitting the team will keep the same formation.
He said in a recent interview: “We’ll wait and see, but it would be interesting to play two up top with Andy.
“They (Sakho and Valencia) have got the shirt at the moment and it will be difficult to get it off them when the team is playing the way it is.”
It’s such a far cry from last season that it’s almost unrecognisable – long may it continue.
God article again mate but what with the continued speculation and rumour concerning carroll it wasn’t what my nerves were needing to hear!
I just wish the club would come out with a defining statement and put all this speculation to bed! Ie, Andy Ccarroll is not for sale! Period!
Trouble is you can never do that cos of clauses (maybe) and a silly offer may come. Difficult in 2014 Phil
I think it’s in the Mirror today that West Ham might be offering Carroll to Newcastle in January, it was previously in the Mail last week. Now it has appeared in two sources you’d think there must be some credence in the story.
Getting to Carroll himself, he has not been a success, he cost a lot of money, he’s on a big wage, he’s got a bad injury record, he’s got a dubious reputation about his private life – there’s not any positives there, so getting him off the books seems to be a bit of a no-brainer!
Personally, I think him coming back into the team will be a regressive step – you’d be forced to play to his strengths by ‘lumping’ the ball up to him for him to fight over – that is not a style that the West Ham punters like – ’nuff said!
All good points
Hi Hugh love reading your posts always 1st rate and informative… Id keep Carroll ! what a plan B to have him on the bench..Keep the posts coming.. COYI
Thanks for that mate
Never say never.As has been said already if Newcastle came in with the right money I would let Carroll go.Let’s be honest he has not been sound physically and has only shown glimpses when on the pitch.A.C was suited to the BF Sam way of lumping the ball forward from fullback but with the new influx of players I would suggest he may struggle.Some are giving Allardyce credit for changing the style of play.I would suggest the new players have made the transition easier for the manager.The leopard does not change his spots.Sam was employed to get us back in the Premier League.Job done and hopefully at season’s end a new manager will take the Hammers forward.
I think Carroll really struggled in that one up role cos he was producing flick ons he had to chase himself. It was ludicrous. Could be a lot different should he get back in with a proper partner
I agree Hugh, if we can keep him fit I would love to see him with a proper partner.
I think we would see a far better player, we haven’t done him any favours leaving him up front on his own! COYI