In the wake of Andy Carroll’s brace against West Brom, the frequent debate about his permanent signing has been mentioned once again.
The dominating striker made his name at Newcastle United before moving to Liverpool in a staggering deal expected to be around £35 million. With the Merseyside club, he didn’t fit into plans that consisted of possession and ground balls for the silky Luis Suarez.
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce snapped up Carroll on a loan deal with the view to a permanent signing, and the defender-worrying Englishman, Carroll stated his delight at his move to the East London club.
With just 3 goals to his name many were demanding that such player shouldn’t be signed for such money, as it was touted by apparent ITKs that the potential deal could cost West Ham a large sum of £18 million. However, Carroll went on to prove doubters wrong as he scored two spectacular goals against West Bromwich Albion during the Easter weekend, one of which won goal of the month.
With 5 goals to his name, he now aims to push on a grab more, hopefully pushing friend Kevin Nolan out of the top goal-scorer spot and claiming it himself.
It cannot be denied that Andy Carroll is one of the most worrying strikers in the Premier League in such ways that other defences are petrified of his aerial ability and power. The England striker has slotted into the West Ham setup very nicely, adapting to Allardyce’s infamous ‘hoof ball’ which has also proved effective this season as the Hammers have steered themselves clear of the relegation zone well.
Chairman David Gold has stated in the past that does Sam Allardyce not renew his contract, then the aerial powerhouse Carroll will not sign for the Hammers, however, with their Premier League status as good as confirmed Allardyce is set to pen a three year contract.
For me, Carroll needs to be signed but not for the extravagant sum of £18 million, but something a lot lower, maybe around the mark of £10m. Carroll has proved effective to our setup and when given a team-mate to link with he has been amazing! Like so on his debut when he, Vaz Te and Kevin Nolan all linked up beautifully to put us 1-0 up over Fulham.
Modibo Maiga would be a good player to play off of Carroll next season with Nolan ageing, but I for one cannot see the midfielder being dropped at all! And 4-4-2 doesn’t look likely either.
Credit is due where its due, and many of you doubters of both Carroll and Allardyce need to look at our position in the league, and how well we have done in comparison to the likes of Southampton and Reading.
Money hasn’t been splashed a lot by West Ham, unlike our London neighbours QPR. So take that into consideration too.
For me, Allardyce and Carroll should both be kept on at the end of the season as we push to become a bigger and better team. There is more to come from Carroll, and although he doesn’t look it, he is still very young.
Anyone disagree with me that we have defied the odds this season? No … So what’s gone wrong, nothing!