21 Sep 2015 10:50:18
The whole Carroll situation can be utilised very well if thinking logically. We have a good setup now that allows us to go and try to score the first goal with chances of a 2nd/3rd in any game as already proven. So where does Carroll fit in? Well i'd say forget his attacking ability for a minute, what happens when we are 1-0 up against a very capable opponent in the final 15-20 mins of a match. Corners, free kicks etc could all be delt with by Carroll. He could even man mark the Lukaku, Gomis, Bony, Giroud type players no problem, making his defensive contribution priceless to the team in a typical 1-0 scenario. Hold up play is also very good and a fresh AC towards the end of a premier league game is any defenders nightmare. This is how I think he should be utilised this season, not to mention it would reduce the risk of him injuring himself again

1.) 21 Sep 2015
21 Sep 2015 11:57:43
While you cannot disagree with any of that, and all those facts are well known and appreciated by SB, you have to consider the main fact which is CAROLL himself probably won't see it like that in the LONG term! and as I have already said. It remains to be seen as to wether he is happy to come on and play for 30 minutes, when he is fully fit, or will he be unhappy not being guaranteed a place when fully fit , IF he can be used in that way great, BUT that may NOT BE the way the player sees it, he is agreat option as we all know and appreciate, but the player himself may not see himself as an OPTION. Think you get my thrust! Regards IRONMIKE

2.) 21 Sep 2015
21 Sep 2015 16:12:10
If he doesn't accept how he is merely a small part of the bigger picture now, do you think we would be able to recoup any of the fee we paid for him Mike? I'm sure another premier league team would snap him up for a few million if his heart isn't set on being a super sub

3.) 21 Sep 2015
21 Sep 2015 17:52:18
It's a difficult call this one steven, WH are looking for pace up front, where does Carroll fit in , At this time he won't expect to be first choice, But he will want to play soon for sure, if we get more injuries up front ( hope not! ) he will come in , but then it means a style change , so whilst your earlier post outlines all the positives he can bring, to the squad, will the player be happy with that! IF WE KEEP playing well with this system , and with Valencia due back in six weeks time! Carroll is going to be a bench warmer , that's how it is , I think it's all in the mind of the player and how he feels about it all, HE WILL get the oppurtunities for sure, because that's how things pan out, but wether or not he impresses we shall see, it's a nice problem to have, which makes refreshing change, it's too early too talk about transfers etc, IRONMIKE

4.) 21 Sep 2015
21 Sep 2015 20:47:55
Ironmike you seem to insinuate that Carroll is slow, have you seen the opta stats from 2012 -2013 – Theo Walcott clocked at 22.72mph
Andy Carroll clocked at 22.24mph.

I wouldn't call Walcott slow would you?
Sorry don't agree that it would mean a style change as you put it, Carroll's hold up play is better than Sakho's, he is a better header of the ball and is pretty good on the deck, maybe not as good as Sakho but good enough to adapt.
I also believe that if he stays fit his strike rate game for game would be better than Sakho's, but what a great position to be in being able to choose between 2 strikers who would both probably get into most teams in the prem.

5.) 21 Sep 2015
21 Sep 2015 21:38:00
I never said Carroll was slow, although he does give that impression sometimes!, I just don't think it's his style to run away with the ball like moses sakho and payet etc, He's a great option all would agree with that, BUT I'm saying that he may not be happy being anything other than first choice striker if he's fully fit, time will tell the story here, but for time being he knows he has to fight for his place which is great news for us, You are obviously under the assumption he will adapt his game quickly, I am not so sure, but whatever he will get his chances, and let's see how he performs, IF we play the oresent style of counter attack. , we will find out soon enough! Regards IRONMIKE

6.) 22 Sep 2015
22 Sep 2015 11:08:16
I think we miss a point here, we are all talking about playing the way we currently play, counter stacking football. Sooner rather than later teams will find a way to stop us. Carroll gives us options to play a different style, a different formation. Makes us as a team unpredictable. Also we will need to rest players or deal with specific injuries. So I think we will see Carroll used in various systems and at various times. Sometimes as an impact sub other times in a 4-4-2 from the start. Played this way he may last longer than a few games without injury and be happy and accept this role!

7.) 22 Sep 2015
22 Sep 2015 17:59:29
I agree, we should see tonight how Carroll and players from the rest of the squad adapt, and as you say we need different tactics / formations for different opponents.