He does not really wish to join the Hammers but bad boy England striker Andy Carroll is to join us on a season loan from Liverpool. If we stay in the Premiership we have the option to buy him. Apparently he will earn £80,000 a week (after tax) which is not a problem – West Ham has just sold Nicky Maynard to Cardiff for £3 million so that will pay the wages until next summer.
So as far as I can see the game plan is now Noble/Nolan lobs it up to try and land it on Carroll’s head to score or Noble/Nolan lobs it to Jarvis on the wing to cross it onto Carroll’s head to score. Great. Really attractive football.
Supporters say that Carroll may have had a shocking time at Liverpool but he had two blinding seasons at Newcastle before that; that he is more than just a tall bloke who can head the ball and that 20 goals from him (plus no doubt Noble the second top scorer from penalties won) will be enough to ensure Premiership survival. Critics will say more dull Alladyce football. I would add that since there was no evidence that we could land the ball within 10 yards of Carlton Cole I cannot see how having a different front man will necessarily change anything. I also doubt the motivation of such a reluctant mercenary. It reminds me of Lucas Neill.
On balance I suspect West Ham is more likely to stay up as a result of this deal. And if we go down it is bye bye Carroll. Bye Bye Fat Sam and the door is open for Paulo di Canio (who will have guided Swindon to a second successive promotion plus cup glory) to apply for the job he really wants and for West Ham finally to get a manager we deserve. I cannot say that I am rushing down to Upton Park this Saturday in order to see Carroll play but I might watch the match on TV with a slightly increased interest and hope that three points can be secured against Fulham. Now to wait for the 3rd round draw in the Capital One Cup. God, if you are reading this…Swindon at home please.