On Sunday, Andy Carroll will face his hometown club Newcastle United whilst wearing the claret and blue of West Ham.
The England international has previously returned to St James’ Park with Liverpool, where he was booed by several Newcastle supporters wanting to show their displeasure with the way he left the club. The Reds were on the end of a 2-0 defeat that day and Carroll will be hoping that this trip with West Ham is more successful. As well as Carroll, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce and his captain Kevin Nolan will also be returning Tyneside, whilst Newcastle manager Alan Pardew will be playing host to his former club.
Newcastle fans have fond memories of Andy Carroll in black and white stripes. After leading the Magpies back to the Premier League in the 2009/10 season, he was awarded the club’s famous number nine shirt, previously worn by legends like Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald and Alan Shearer.
Carroll’s time at Newcastle saw him play the best football of his career so far. He left with a strike record of better than a goal every three games, statistics which prompted Liverpool to part with £35 million to sign him. Despite a few significant moments in a red shirt, he is yet to live up to his price tag and prove his worth at Anfield.
After joining the Hammers on a season-long loan at the end of August, Andy Carroll is yet to score a goal for Sam Allardyce’s side. Netting the winner on Sunday would surely be bittersweet for the big Geordie striker.