Introducing the new number 9: Andy Carroll
Posted on July 20th, 2010 | 65 Comments |
Carroll will be following in the footspteps of legends like Alan Shearer and Jackie Milburn from this season as he looks to carry on the tradition of the famour jersey.
This could be the making of Andy Carroll, but let’s be fair it could also burden him with pressure. I honestly believe it will be the former as Carroll has already proved he can handle the pressure on the pitch. Think back to Doncaster, and all the pressure that was surrounding that game after the Taylor/Carroll incident, all the media scrutiny, and what did Carroll do? Put the ball in the net to score the winning goal, and that spoke volumes of the lads charcter.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m immensely proud and really it’s an unbelievable feeling,” Carroll told The Chronicle. “When you look at the fantastic players down the years who have worn the shirt, it sends shivers down your spine. It’s amazing.”
“Having grown up following and watching the team, I’m aware of the great tradition the No 9 shirt holds. It’s probably unique in football in that sense.”
That tradition is important, and the fact that Carroll knows all about what is expected of him could help to maintain his focus off the pitch and help him to avoid trouble. A lot more attention is paid to the number nine in Newcastle, and Carroll will do well to remember that not all of it will be good attention, if you know what I mean?
“It’s an opportunity I relish and intend doing my upmost to do the shirt proud. I’d also like to thank Chris and his staff for the faith they have put in me, it really is terrific.”
I’m glad that Carroll has been given the chance to wear the shirt, it just makes sense all round. It’s highly unlikely that we will be signing a superstar that is worthy of getting given the number nine, so why not give it to a lifelong Newcastle fan who knows what will be expected of him?
There are other reasons for giving the Carroll the shirt, reasons that Chris Hughton goes into here;
“I’ve given the No 9 shirt to Andy and he fully deserves it. I gave it to him for a few reasons.”
“He’s a local lad too and that brings something else to it. He’s a player that wants to develop. He understands and wants the responsibility that comes with the shirt.”
Whether or not Carroll should have been given another season to prove himself before picking up the shirt is a debate that will roll on, but you wont hear any complaints about this from me as I have thought all along that Carroll should be given the chance now.
Andy Carroll is becoming Wor Andy!
NUFCBlog Author: toonsy
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toonsy,i knew you would man.