Alan Pardew claimed Newcastle United appeared to have pulled off a great deal by signing Andy Carroll.
The former Magpies manager shared that signing Carroll was a great deal, depending on the terms they got him on and pointed out how he used to be an enormous presence on the pitch when playing for him at St James Park.
Pardew added that his only concern about Carroll returning to Newcastle was the attacker’s injury record and that the 30-year-old needed to ensure he managed his injuries in order to get on the pitch.
“Well Andy Carroll, depending on the contract, it looks pay-as-you-pay, then it’s a great deal,” said Pardew on Sky Sports Premier League (11:49am, Sunday, August 11th).
“The fans love him, when I was there erm he was, he was, absolutely enormous in terms of his presence on a football pitch.
“Local lad, the fans love him and still love him, so if they can get him on the pitch then that’s a massive signing for them.
“Obviously, Andy’s injuries go against him and he needs to manage that and get on the pitch.”
OPINION
Pardew is spot-on. Newcastle signing Carroll ticks a lot of boxes and given that they picked him up on a free transfer, then he seems like a risk worth taking. The Gateshead-born forward scored 33 goals, while assisting 21, in 90 appearances for the Toon before leaving to join Liverpool. Carroll’s goalscoring record may not be flattering since leaving after all 11 goals in 58 games at Liverpool and 34 goals in 142 appearances for the Hammers don’t make him sound prolific, but playing for his local club may get him back to his best. The 30-year-old has had rotten luck with injuries in recent seasons, just look at his 2018/19 campaign where an ankle injury resulted in him only playing 12 times in the league for West Ham, as per Transfermarket, and every Geordie likely has their fingers crossed that his bad run of luck will magically go away, now he has his fairytale move. While injuries can happen to anyone at any time, you just hope Carroll is on the right training programme now he’s back at St James Park in order to give the best chance of staying fit.
