Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle are better off without Andy Carroll, says Kevin Nolan
Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan is convinced the club will eventually be better off without Andy Carroll after his controversial departure to Liverpool.[LNB]The pair were thrown together as house-mates earlier in the season when Carroll was ordered to stay at Nolan's home as part of his bail conditions.[LNB]That relationship ended when Carroll's court case was thrown out. Their bond on the pitch, which was just as close, ended when Liverpool made Newcastle a ?35million transfer deadline offer they could not refuse.[LNB] Toon team: Kevin Nolan enjoyed a strong relationship with Andy Carroll while the pair were at Newcastle[LNB]With Alan Pardew - who sealed a 3-1 win against Liverpool in his first game as Toon boss - already working to spend that money this summer, Nolan (pictured) is sure the funds will be used wisely.[LNB]Nolan said: 'We have proved we are not just a one-man band. People blame Andy for going, but you can't really blame anyone. You can't blame the owners for the money they got.[LNB]'It was for the best for the club. It's worked out better that Andy has gone, although we'd love to have him still here. [LNB] King of the Kop: Despite his injuries, Carroll has impressed in his brief Liverpool career[LNB]'We'd probably have a few more points and would probably build a team which was going to be great around him.[LNB]'We're in such a fantastic position, let's just see what happens. The money we got was astronomical.' [LNB]Liverpool-born Nolan is a Reds fan whose extended family have now taken the 22-year-old Carroll under their wing.[LNB] Backlash: Carroll went from hero to zero in the eyes of the St James' Park crowd[LNB]Despite the closeness, neither player is giving too much away ahead of today's reunion at Anfield. Carroll won't even say if he is fit to play against his former team.[LNB]Nolan said: 'He's been a bit sheepish with me this week. He has been in touch and texted, but we are not giving too much away to each other. He's desperate to play and wants to see all the lads. In my eyes it'll hit him when he sees Newcastle the team he grew up with and loved for so long, playing against him.'[LNB] Reds to kick-start summer spree with free deal for French winger MarveauxEXCLUSIVE: The real story of how Carroll became the ultimate No 9 Carroll urged to ignore the boos as ?35m star prepares to face former clubAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinionAll the latest Newcastle news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Kevin Nolan, Mike Ashley, Andy Carroll Places: Newcastle, Liverpool
