Carroll

[wba13]

Andy Carroll has played his last game for the Baggies, he was today told he would not be offered a new contract and would not play in the last 2 matches to protect his fitness. It is said his wage demands were to high and we want to go in another direction.
I would not have minded him but with his wage demands and injury problems it’s a good decision.

[baggiematt]

Great, it’s about time we started making decent decisions. I’m never a fan of giving these older lads their last contract. Once they sign, what do they have to play for? And you have to play such a specific brand of football to get the best out of him.

We need speed, movement and creativity!

[Leicesterbaggie]

Whilst he's done a decent enough job for us I agree that we need to look to the future and not the past.

[kettering_baggie]

Not good, so no more Baggies time for our best performer in recent matches. I suppose Karlan Grant will play and probably be with us next season. I would like to see the back of Grant, Robinson, Livermore, Diangana, Bartley and most of all, Zohore. I’m expecting to hear that we won’t sign Matt Clarke either, no doubt he’ll be too expensive for the likes of us.

[baggiematt]

Not good, so no more Baggies time for our best performer in recent matches. I suppose Karlan Grant will play and probably be with us next season. I would like to see the back of Grant, Robinson, Livermore, Diangana, Bartley and most of all, Zohore. I’m expecting to hear that we won’t sign Matt Clarke either, no doubt he’ll be too expensive for the likes of us.

I wouldn’t sign Clarke either. Really controversial as he’s arguably our player of the season. But we have 6-7 centre halves. We were promoted with Bartley and Ajayi and I fully expect O’Shea to take one of those roles next season.

Why spend a few million on a centre half when we are crying out for attacking, creative players? Whatever money we have has to go on players further up the pitch.

[baggieal]

Not good, so no more Baggies time for our best performer in recent matches. I suppose Karlan Grant will play and probably be with us next season. I would like to see the back of Grant, Robinson, Livermore, Diangana, Bartley and most of all, Zohore. I’m expecting to hear that we won’t sign Matt Clarke either, no doubt he’ll be too expensive for the likes of us.

I agree Ketts. Can’t we raffle these players you mention? Grant and Diangana would be best suited to non contact sport and Robinson should feature in a Persil advert for beautiful white shorts. Livermore we could sell on eBay and Zohore - well I would send that lazy t wat to keep running with a rifle up his ring piece. Bartley still lives in Leeds but even Harrogate would not want him!!

The squad next year will be all the same useless t wats with a few freebies thrown in. Gourlay should resign when Bruce is sacked after around 12 games!!!

[Omegstrat6]

The crux of the matter is that we have a glut of players for certain positions many of whom are too poor but we will struggle to off load them in order to source the revenue to bring in fresh ones and we have no money to do so otherwise.

I agree with much of what Matt said but why did the club not retain Carroll but offer Livermore an extension? The principle of trying to replace older players with younger, more creative, ones is obviously not applied evenly.

Personally, I like Carroll and his attitude has certainly been better than many of his team mates. Yes, he is older so may not play many 90 minutes and be more susceptible to injury but he seems to keep himself fit as well as being one of those older players for whom personal pride and professionalism is motivation enough. It is true that he suits a particular style of play we do not (yet) possess but he also offers us options others do not and comparing his recent performances to Grant or Robinson it is little wonder some prefer him. Just hope Dike comes true!

As for Clarke, it is probably true that there are younger and better out there but would we be able to get them? Clarke has done well for us this season and I would like to try and retain him but despite all the rumours I don't think this will happen either because (as has been pointed out) we already have too many players for that position. Whilst Ajayi an O'Shea may come good again we are unlikely to be able to shift the poorer other ones to make room for Clarke.

Currently lots of rhetoric coming out from Bruce and the club but despite them making all the right noises I'm sadly not hopeful-as I too often have cause to say: "cynicism is born from experience" 😞

[stargazer1962]

Its just a shame that he wont get to play the last 2 matches and at least get a farewell send off from the fans, he has at least put the effort in whilst he's been here and we have all appreciated that.
In the last couple of days I've wondered what actually is the point of going to the last home game. If we whip Barnsley, what do we take from that. I just can't see the point. Stupid kick off time to boot as well. Without Carroll I think that's made up my mind.

[saltnshake]

I wouldn’t sign Clarke either. Really controversial as he’s arguably our player of the season. But we have 6-7 centre halves. We were promoted with Bartley and Ajayi and I fully expect O’Shea to take one of those roles next season.

Why spend a few million on a centre half when we are crying out for attacking, creative players? Whatever money we have has to go on players further up the pitch.

People also seem to forget we have Kean Bryan who also plays on the left, so i wouldn't sign Clarke either, i agree we need more mobile players in both midfield and attack but i'm not sure i trust Bruceto bring them in.

[kettering_baggie]

Kean Bryan, I had forgotten about him, another star signing to set the pulses racing. Actually, I thought we had him on loan, did we sign him permanently?