Championship

West Bromwich Albion: Journalist Pete O’Rourke discusses Andy Carroll’s future

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Image for West Bromwich Albion: Journalist Pete O’Rourke discusses Andy Carroll’s future

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has given his thoughts on Andy Carroll and his future at West Bromwich Albion following his recent performances under Steve Bruce.

The 33-year-old former England international has had a difficult few seasons in his career.

Having been something of a bit-part player at his former club Newcastle United under current Baggies boss Bruce, he tried to make a go of things at Championship side Reading on a two-month deal, but that didn’t amount to much before he joined up with Bruce again back in January, where slowly but surely, he is starting to have more of an impact at The Hawthorns.

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He currently ranks joint-second in the Baggies side in terms of aerial duels won, joint-fourth in terms of shots per game, has averaged 0.8 key passes per game, and recently bagged his first goal for them in their 2-2 draw with Huddersfield Town.

Speaking in an interview with GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that given the time the two had previously spent together at St James’ Park, they might look to continue their relationship further down the line at The Hawthorns.

He said: “We know Steve Bruce knows all about him from their time together at Newcastle. He’s only on a short-term contract, so another short-term contract could be on the cards.”

TIF Thoughts on Pete O’Rourke’s comments about Andy Carroll at West Bromwich Albion…

Do you want Andy Carroll at West Brom next season?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Given where West Brom are in the table right now, very much on the outside looking in when it comes to a spot in the play-offs as they sit seven points away, the last few weeks of this season could well turn into a test to see whether or not Carroll can be of some use to the club next year.

Once he’s had a few months in the West Brom team, if he can keep putting in the performances he has done so far – especially if he can start adding goals to his game – it would make sense for the club to try and bring him back once more.

Although, O’Rourke is right to say that it could only be on a short-term deal given the turnover of managers that the club have been through. It would be stupid of them to tie Carroll down to a long-term deal given that it’s not impossible to believe Bruce could be out of a job sooner rather than later, and the next man in might not want to be tied down to Carroll, especially if he doesn’t suit his style.

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Freelance sports journalist & broadcaster.