Andy Carroll could be a useful signing for Sam Allardyce’s West Bromwich Albion if the Newcastle United striker can stay fit, former Premier League owner Simon Jordan told talkSPORT (22 December, 11.30am).
That, of course, is an ‘if’ the size of Jupiter.
Since the start of 2017/18, Carroll has started just 16 Premier League games with an unrelenting series of injuries taking their toll on the one-time England international.
It almost goes without saying, then, that Allardyce would be rolling the dice if he decided to link up once again with his former West Ham targetman during the January transfer window.
The Mirror (20 December, page 63) reports that ‘Big Sam’ has identified Carroll as the man capable of giving a toothless Baggies side a much-needed attacking outlet.
Jordan, meanwhile, accepts that a 6ft 4ins battering ram would not be the most popular signing among a West Brom fanbase concerned about a potential return to the sort of reductive, long-ball tactics that quickly wore thin during the Tony Pulis era.
But, if fit, Carroll would add some much-needed experience and thrust to Allardyce’s squad.
“Probably not because it will give them a feeling that its going to be a certain style of football – launch it into the big man,” said the former Crystal Palace owner when asked if Carroll would be welcomed by The Hawthorns fanbase.
“But West Brom want to stay in the division.
“It’s not unsurprising that (managers) will go to go-to players. Managers will always talk about the idea of having a dressing room with people you can trust.
“If you can bring players in that you know, you can trust them, you know what’s going to be said in the dressing room you know what culture you’re getting with these players.”
Jordan, who brought Clinton Morrison and Shaun Derry back to Palace during his time at Selhurst Park, believes Carroll could enjoy a late-career renaissance under his former West Ham boss if he stays clear of the treatment table.
“Andy Carroll is a handful when he’s fit. The problem is he’s very rarely fit. Allardyce is nobody’s fool, if he’s going to recruit Carroll it will be for a very good reason.
“If Carroll is fit, he’ll be a handful for anybody. “
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
