Forum | General Discussion

There has been plenty of media talk about Andy Carroll since he virtually destroyed Arsenal's defence with his bludgeoning hat trick at the Boleyn. Troubled striker Diafra Sakho's absence provided the Big Geordie with the opportunity that he grasped with head and foot, more about Sakho later, but it is Carroll who occupied all the column inches and is being touted as potentially Roy Hodgson's secret weapon to take with him to France this summer. A lot of 'chat' has also emerged from West Ham with regard to Carroll's ability and availability, sceptics might see this renewed 'Andy love in' as a cunning plan to whack up the Big Man's value ahead of the financial gravy train that is about to hit those clubs lucky enough to have survived and prospered during this season's Barclays Premier League or have the Hammers hierarchy decided that he is going to be one of the main men to lead the line next season. A fit and able Andy Carroll is quite simply a unique footballing phenomena, he is probably the best, if not one of the best headers of a football in the world,and on his day he is absolutely unplayable, unfortunately he has been unplayed as a result of injury and possible life style choices that have severely restricted the amount of games he has played.
So will the Euro 2016 News be featuring Andy Carroll? Or Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell or even Mikael Antonio? Probably not, which could be good news for the many West Ham fans who have no desire what so ever to see some of the club's prize assets put at risk of injury while away on International duty, especially given the fact that European football, either champions league or europa cup is a distinct possibility. It is looking increasingly likely that one player who may not be around next season is the afore mentioned Diafra Sakho, the 'Sakman' has always had a bit of a strange persona and personal life, but it appears his impasse with Slaven Billic can only really end up one way, with the players departure to pastures new, if Morgan Amalfitano is a reference point . Sakho is a favourite of David Sullivan's and indeed it was the Hammers co-owner who pushed the permanent deal through to sign him, against then manager Sam Allardyce's advice.
Of course Sakho is much more of a key player to West Ham than Amalfitano, so perhaps negotiations might smooth things over in the short term, but 'Daffy' as his actions have dictated, is a troubled man and perhaps a parting of the ways will be best for all parties. There would be no shortage of takers for the 26 year old Senegalese hit man, and if he does move on it is to be hoped that West Ham receive a considerable fee with a sell on clause as well, preferably from an overseas club so he isn't able to come back and bite the club in the proverbial. - Ed