I know, I know. There’s nothing quite like a debate over AC, or Brexit, to divide us. Frankly it would be excellent if, just for once, we could all agree about something but, I suspect, comments on this will, no doubt, be polarised.
Main reason I’m writing this is that I switched to Talksport from Lovesport on Friday morning to hear Sam Allardyce’s dulcet tones on the Alan Brazil show. As I fought my way around the north side of London, avoiding the carnage on the M25 that followed an earlier accident, the radio spiel centred on ‘Wor Andy’. Fair play to Mr Brazil for getting quite a bit of information out of Big Sam during the programme.
Essentially the non-deluded one had mixed praise and condemnation for Carroll. The positive part of his answer suggested that the big Geordie is completely dedicated when recovering from an injury. His focus, attitude and work ethic when in the physio room is. Apparently, second to none. Problem is that all goes out of the window when he recovers and returns to playing. Allardyce, pretty much, confirmed that AC didn’t continue to look after himself, and complete his rehabilitation from injury, in the weeks after recovering. He also hinted that AC succumbed to ‘a night out’ with Kevin Nolan too often during their time together at West Ham. I was surprised to hear Mr Allardyce suggest that a night out once a week was ok before going on to suggest that professional players cannot afford to ‘abuse’ their bodies that way in today’s game.
Apart from AC’s social activities, and back on the field of play, Sam Allardyce paid tribute to the big striker by stating that Carroll would go in where angels feared to tread and that it might be in his best interests to ‘tone it down’ rather than throwing himself in to challenges with such reckless abandon. I have to admit to admiring our Geordie hitman for his bravery. When he’s ‘on it’ he is totally unplayable. Defenders must hate being up against him.
Outside of the above, and completely in line with my opinion, the former manager, who taught us to ‘respect the point’, described his admiration for the player by detailing his attributes as a ‘complete’ player who ‘has everything in his locker’. Unlike many who view Carroll as simply ‘good in the air’ SA pointed out his, many, other abilities. For me these include his touch, hold-up play, dribbling, ability to turn, positional play and finishing. He scores all kinds of different types of goals. In the air, off the deck, running on to through balls, shots on the turn, volleys (including overheads), tap-ins, one on ones – you name it.
click here to read about, and listen to, the interview.
The 6ft 4in striker is about to make, yet another, return from injury. Not that far away from full training now he could be fit to play soon. So what say you? Offload in January or keep.
I believe that he should be utilised as an impact substitute and no more. Full 90 minute starts are putting too much of a strain on his joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles but he’s far too valuable as a potential game changer from the bench to be moved on IMHO.
The disappointment of the 90th minute equaliser, and subsequent loss of two points, paled in to complete insignificance shortly after the end of the game on Saturday. The tragic helicopter crash that ended the lives of the five souls within the craft was shocking in the extreme. The footballing world is paying tribute to the incredible Leicester owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was a human being to be admired. Very few chairmen/owners immerse themselves in to the local community the way that the Thai billionaire businessman did following his takeover of the East Midlands club. Stories of his philanthropy, generosity and caring approach are being reported in their droves. Such a great loss to Leicester City FC, the Leicester and wider footballing community I’d like to add my warmest thoughts and words of condolence to his, and those others who also sadly passed away in the accident, nearest and dearest. Peaceful journey Vichai – I’m absolutely convinced that you will be remembered with great warmth and fondness by those who’s lives you enriched.
May the five who sadly passed after the match on Saturday evening rest in peace.