Andy Carroll is a top-target for new Newcastle boss Steve McClaren, but on a pay-as-you-play deal. Carroll has been very unlucky in terms of injuries, making only 46 appearances for the Hammers over three years.
The £4m-a-year wage Carroll is on for West Ham is not something McClaren wants to buy into with Carroll’s injury record. Carroll has missed a total of 468 days of football since his heel injury back in May, 2013.
The Times reported yesterday that West Ham would be willing to let go of Carroll if Newcastle are willing to buy him full out. A loan deal will not be considered for the former Newcastle player.
However, it seems that Carroll’s mindset is to stay in East London, and co-owner David Gold seems to be of the same mind. “There have been a lot of suggestions that he would like a move ‘home’ but Andy is now very happy and settled in London,” Gold said. “He will be here next season. He’s our record signing and the best is yet to come from him. It could be a very big season for him and us.”
Carroll also told West Ham’s official website his approval in the appointment of Slaven Bilic. “It is a great appointment. I have spoken to the lads and everyone seems to be happy,” Carroll said. “He plays a lot of attacking football. I have seen the teams he has been coaching and they love to go out and attack.
“That is great for me and I cannot wait to get started. It is interesting to see how he is on the touchline. Different managers have got different styles and this will be very different to what we have had in the past, but it will be very interesting and I cannot wait to get started.“
Carroll has his first child on the way, and he has claimed stability and settling down in East London are keys for the new family. Also, West Ham’s official social media department has been doing their job in advocating for Carroll, reposting his work ethic to get fit again on Instagram. If the big man can stay fit, he could be a crucial piece to West Ham’s Premier League and Europa League campaigns during the last season at the Boleyn Ground.
