Carroll Isn't The Only 'Greedy B' In Football

02 May 2011 11:56
Independent reporter Tim Rich says Andy Carroll is not the only "greedy bastard in football". Tim Rich: The chants aimed at Andy Carroll with increasing viciousness were wrong; football has more than one greedy bastard. Nevertheless, as someone who grew up in the Geordie heartland of the Team Valley, Carroll would have expected and understood the abuse doled out from the away end. Had Alan Shearer moved to Liverpool, a transfer Gérard Houllier briefly flirted with, perhaps the young Carroll would have felt the same way. No club reveres its centre-forwards more than Newcastle, and Carroll had turned his back on his birthright – the No 9 shirt, passed down through Gallacher to Milburn and Macdonald. It would have hurt more that Liverpool did not even need him – they were 3-0 up when he came on – and the Newcastle manager, Alan Pardew, correctly observed that his impact had been "minimal". The damage had been inflicted by Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez, part of a Liverpool strike force that cost £67m. All Pardew could field were the anonymous figures of Peter Lovenkrands and Shola Ameobi, men who were only noticeable when they were substituted. By the way Tim, Hughie Gallacher did NOT wear the No 9 shirt at Newcastle. The number system was introduced in the late 1930's - not 1920's. MAGPIES IN EUROPE "Magpies In Europe" is available NOW! Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me. "I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'! "Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down. "Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff. "I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10." MAGPIES IN EUROPE From Antwerp to Zurich Price: £9.99 (including post) The book is available NOW!   Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £9.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to: 'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU. Or contact: Kevnumad@fsmail.net  

Source: FOOTYMAD