Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle's Andy Carroll not for sale? Alan Pardew's dangerous promise
Alan Pardew didn't need to see the Newcastle No 9 with his own eyes to know that Andy Carroll is the key to his success at St James' Park.[LNB]The new boss didn't need to see Carroll bully, boss and torment Liverpool's Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Martin Skrtel for 90 minutes on Saturday, though it certainly backed the theory that Carroll fears no one in the Barclays Premier League - while defenders are starting to fear him.[LNB] Our hero: Carroll (second right) is mobbed after scoring the clincher against Liverpool on Saturday[LNB]Two allegedly experienced central defenders, who are hardly weak physical specimens, and who have been on the European and international scene for years, couldn't get out of Tyneside quick enough. Carroll won most things in the air, frightened the pair every time the ball went over waist height - which was quite a lot - and set up the first two goals.[LNB]And just to prove he can play a bit on the ground too, after Skrtel and Kyrgiakos had granted the striker the freedom of St James' Park, he hammered in a long range shot past Pepe Reina with his left foot in injury time to clinch a 3-1 win. The punters sang his name, and he milked every second of it.[LNB]On his first day in his new office, Pardew promised Carroll would not be sold. Wise words, certain to get the disillusioned Newcastle fans onside, but dangerous ones too.[LNB]Dangerous because there is absolutely no way of knowing what this regime can do to the squad, if they can sack Chris Hughton and within days bring in Pardew.[LNB] Stay close to me: New Magpies boss Pardew gives instruction to his No 9 at St James' Park[LNB]The way Carroll has fearlessly gone about his business on his return to the Premier League has naturally come to the attention of all the major clubs, as well as England manager Fabio Capello. Central defenders certainly know when they have been in a game with him.[LNB]At Old Trafford in Newcastle's first game of the season, Carroll had a relatively quiet night by the standards he has set since. But his performance and presence were enough to have Sir Alex Ferguson drooling. And the moment he mentioned his name in such glowing terms, you just knew Carroll was on his radar.[LNB]Admirer: United boss Ferguson[LNB]There is not usually very much money sloshing around in the January transfer window and, although all the top clubs would all welcome new recruits, this season is unlikely to be very different.[LNB]But what if Manchester United, Chelsea or Tottenham can find £20million, and a player or two worth swapping? What if there is a generous offer of say £10m straight cash, and then nice add-ons and bonuses which would take a fee close to that magical £20m figure which would look reasonable business?[LNB]It's all 'what if', 'perhaps' and 'maybe'. It needs a buying club, and they have to have serious money and a very good offer on the table. And it needs a selling club of course, and a manager, an owner and chairman who are in agreement any deal is in the best interests of their club. [LNB]Despite Pardew's promises, his employers might be very sorely tempted.[LNB]In the week of Pardew's arrival, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn was also talking about the future of his own No 1 academy graduate, Jordan Henderson. He is not quite as iconic as Carroll, but like the Geordie striker, he is a very good footballer and, to the Sunderland fans, he's one of them.[LNB]With 50 league appearances to his name already, the midfielder has been pulling in the scouts to Wearside and he is another local lad with an England cap to his name just last month. It has taken time but Sunderland and Newcastle are catching up with Middlesbrough's successful youth programme.[LNB]Quinn wants the 21-year-old to stay at the club, of course he does, but experience at Middlesbrough teaches people like Quinn that hollow promises mean nothing when the big clubs come calling with big money.[LNB]Adam Johnson, who looked certain to join Sunderland a year ago, was snatched from Boro and Manchester City hardly batted an eyelid. Middlesbrough have never been the same since.[LNB] Earning his stripes: Henderson (right) scores for Sunderland against West Ham earlier this month[LNB]Quinn won't talk figures, but £15m- £20m would be a reasonable starting point in any negotiations and would allow Sunderland to re-invest. And that is where the fun and games really start for the manager and chairman.[LNB] More from Colin Young... NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Farewell to Chris Hughton.... the dignified servant humiliated by Newcastle07/12/10 Colin Young: Why finding a No 2 for Hughton should be the No 1 priority30/11/10 NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Newcastle pair Coloccini and Williamson pay for their moments of madness but Campbell and Taylor should fill the hole nicely23/11/10 NORTHERN EXPOSURE SPECIAL: Tony Mowbray looks to homegrown talent to get Boro out of the mire20/11/10 Northern Exposure: Steve Bruce and Sunderland saying sorry in the best possible way after their derby horror show16/11/10 Northern Exposure: Who'd be a manager... or even a Sunderland fan!01/11/10 Northern Exposure: Too close to call as derby fever hits Tyneside26/10/10 Northern Exposure: Mowbray is fans' favourite, but Gibson can't get it wrong19/10/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVEIt is fun they could do without. Sunderland and Newcastle will just be glad when February comes.[LNB]And the same goes for Middlesbrough, who seem resigned to losing centre back David Wheater as his contract runs down at the Riverside.[LNB]Wheater and new boss Tony Mowbray were a match made in Teesside, but they have come together about three years too late. [LNB]The Redcar-born defender, built in the Mowbray mould and with Middlesbrough coursing through his veins, wants Premier League football but he knows, Mowbray knows, Steve Gibson knows, and we all know, he isn't going to get it at Middlesbrough in the next year or two, despite the slow progress being made since Gordon Strachan's exit.[LNB]Realistically, his contractual situation - the current deal runs out in the summer - means Boro have to cash in now. And Mowbray will have to turn to another youngster to fill in while Stephen McManus recovers from injury or duck and dive in the transfer market to bring in a reasonable, more experienced replacement.[LNB]In an ideal world, Mowbray would be Middlesbrough manager, Wheater his captain and on-field leader. Middlesbrough and their supporters stopped believing in an ideal world years ago.[LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Gordon Strachan, Chris Hughton, Tony Mowbray, Pepe Reina, Adam Johnson, Fabio Capello, Andy Carroll, David Wheater, Martin Skrtel, Niall Quinn Places: Newcastle, Liverpool, United Kingdom
