West Ham’s board and management are reportedly weighing up on a potential deal for Andy Carroll. But to move the club forward, we must let him go.
There was a time when I would have been exciting to have Andy Carroll leading my front line. Unfortunately it is neither our darkest hour or during the season he was scoring for fun at Newcastle. So for me it is time that West Ham and Andy Carroll parted ways.
Since he joined the club he has always been in the news for his injuries and lifestyle, and whilst he was our best hope at goals that was an acceptable thing to deal with. However now he isn’t, and given that he hasn’t played at all well, or effectively, this season I don’t understand the wisdom of keeping him around a rapidly improving and changing squad.
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On his best day Carroll is a force to be reckoned with and almost unbeatable when it comes to aerial challenges. Unfortunately that day was probably his hattrick against Arsenal in the farewell Boleyn season, and it was a steep slope the other side of it. He’s not as good with the ball as he used to be, and quite simply he’s not nearly as effective given the pace of the modern game.
Pellegrini’s style involves dominating possession and quick passing, getting the ball into the box on the ground and taking chances that way. Carroll is not fast, not good on ball outside the 18 yard box and not really great with his feet. So why would the Chilean benefit from keeping him around at all? He serves only as a distraction and you almost feel you have to at least name him on the bench when fit, even though he doesn’t offer a useful replacement when he comes on for anything other than a complete change in tactics.
I don’t dislike the man, but as a club we need to move on. His wages are extortionate and I think that money could help us bring in an effective striker or midfielder who will fit the change in style much better. So for me Andy, it’s goodbye and thanks for the memories.