In an exclusive interview with This Is Futbol, former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey admits he would like to see Andy Carroll remain at Newcastle beyond this season, because players hate coming up against him.
Carroll is currently experiencing his second spell on Tyneside after coming through the club’s academy and bursting onto the scene during their Championship winning season in 2009/10.
Should Carroll be handed a new contract?
Yes!
No!
The 32-year old’s current contract is set to expire at the end of this season and he has only managed four starts in the Premier League this season and has made just 21 appearances in all competitions.
Speaking on what makes Carroll so unique for Newcastle and how he hasn’t been given a real chance to earn himself a new contract, Howey told This is Futbol:
“Well, there’s two ways you could look at it. Has he done enough for a new contract but on the other hand, has he been given enough opportunities? I think he’s very frustrated at the fact that there have been times when he could have come on and he hasn’t.
“I like Andy Carroll I think he’s a real handful, to be honest, and I think if you can keep him fit then defenders will hate playing against him but like I’ve said, I’m not the one that hands out the contracts.”
The £75,000 per week striker was originally sold in 2011 under Alan Pardew and the Magpies netted £35 million from Liverpool who splashed out on deadline day.
Carroll will be hopeful of getting some more minutes before the end of the season with Newcastle’s safety appearing to be secured for another year after their impressive 1-1 draw against Liverpool.