Shola Ameobi optimistic about Andy Carroll’s Newcastle return

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Shola Ameobi thinks Newcastle United fans should be excited about the return of Andy Carroll.

The striker is back at St. James’ Park after sealing a move on transfer deadline day, after he left West Ham United earlier in the summer.

The 30-year-old made his name at the Magpies after coming through the club’s youth academy and left to join Liverpool for £35 million in 2011 (BBC Sport).

That move didn’t work out for him, and he joined the Hammers 18 months later on loan initially. Carroll did well in parts for the Irons, but spent a lot of time sidelined with various injuries.

Now back where it all began, the player is ready to help his boyhood club – and former Toon hero Ameobi is highly optimistic over his return.

He said (quoted by The Chronicle): “You can look at the signings we’ve made as a club and be really excited about what this season holds. Fans should be excited about Carroll. He’s a local boy coming home and we all know what he can do, the effect he had previously.

“A fit Andy Carroll, there’s tremendous up sight there about what he can bring to the club.

“He’s excited, he mentioned to me before how excited he was and also how nervous he was coming back into the stadium.”

TBR’s view

Carroll back to Newcastle is an intriguing proposition.

On a pay-as-you-play deal, it’s great business by the club.

Carroll – who hit 33 goals in 90 games for the Magpies first time around – has qualities that few other players in the Premier League possess. He can provide that something different from off the bench and obviously has a goal in him.

He may be an injury-prone 30-year-old, but he could be quality backup for main man Joelinton.