Opinion from the stands

It’s crunch time for West Ham’s nearly-man

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Andy Carroll

There’s no doubt Andy Carroll’s return on investment has been somewhat disappointing.

West Ham’s record signing has been beset by injuries, and has only made just over 50 appearances in the three years he has been at the club.

But the interest in the big centre forward, both amongst fans and the media, means there is always an air of anticipation around him.

The past few seasons have seemed to revolve around the Chronicles of Carroll, with much being made about his progress back from the treatment table, and even more about his readmission back onto it.

So even given his lack of presence on the pitch, he is very much seen as an integral part of the Hammer’s mechanism, with many recognising his potential impact.

In the games he has played, it is clear to see he adds a dominant dimension to the team.

His 14 goals may not be seen as prolific, but his ratio of involvement in goals and key areas of defensive play, makes him one of the most crucial assets on the park.

Far more than a big lump-it-up-to-the-target-man player, Carroll’s vision and passing at the top of the team has the ability to bring midfielders into the game – something new manager Slaven Bilic is a big fan of in his tactics.

His finishes last season against Leicester City and Swansea City demonstrate a more astute awareness of goal getting than just heading in a hopeful cross.

The past few months have seen Carroll spend a lot of time building his fitness and displaying a commitment to getting back playing.

The messages coming out of the club are that he is progressing well, and should be ready for the start of the Premier League campaign.

Bilic has already reportedly confirmed the Number 9 will form an integral part of his plans, and England manager Roy Hodgson has challenged him to win his place back in the national side.

Both should be motivating factors for him to get back to his best and finally deliver the goods on a regular basis.

Those who doubt Carroll’s overall play are not watching him closely enough when he does appear, and are not listening to those in the game who can provide authentic opinion.

But this season is the time for him to start paying off the price tag and lead the forward line into the new era. Failure to do so could prove even more costly for the player, the manager, and the club.

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4 comments

  • Beckton Geoff says:

    Being that our season start in July I would think it’s a case of all hands on deck and nobody apart from Nolan should be leaving our great club, COYI !!.

  • Canchaz says:

    How odd. The name I gave to Tim Henman years ago resurfaces as a label for Andy Carroll.
    I wouldn’t however pin that label on Carroll at this time. I still believe that used properly and with quality midfielders to serve him, Carroll could still be a valuable asset to us.

  • Philtheiron says:

    There has been a lt said and written about Andy Carroll over the years, some of it relevant some of it pure invention.

    What is clear though is when fit he is one of the best all round centre forwards in the prem and one f the few players today that create a buzz every time he touches the ball.
    However, there is also no doubt that he has had more than his share of lengthy injuries over such a short space of time. Although some of the surgery has been to correct historic long term injury problems, there can be no doubt that both he and the club could benefit from an injury free run in the side.
    At his best he is almost unplayable with excellent touch and control for such a big man.
    But it must be apparent to all that any more bad injuries than his future will be in the balance.
    I for one would love him to be able to show his undeniable talent over an extended period.

  • jaybs says:

    The boat has gone for Carroll how much longer are we going to keep wishing and hoping? we will be lucky if we ever get half what we paid for him, Liverpool must be laughing at us, Charlie Austin scored more goals last season as Carroll have virtually delivered, sell!

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