October 2010 Archives

One down, one to go. I am of course talking about Andy Carroll's court case, not matches against West Ham this season, but it is about time Newcastle's number nine started doing more of what we saw at the weekend and less of what we have heard about in court rooms this week.

I have said it before and I will say it again. Carroll is an excellent prospect, but he is far from the finished article and he needs to grow up before he comes anywhere near fulfilling his potential.

I don't think that is harsh. If Carroll doesn't sort out what is going on in his head when he is away from the football club then the football club will never get to see the best of him.

There is nothing particularly pleasant about a trip to Blackburn, especially when you have to face a team managed by Sam Allardyce once you get there, so Sunderland have got plenty to think about before Monday.

Allardyce is not short on self-confidence. This is a man who, with no tongue anywhere near his cheek, decided to use a press conference last month to explain why he would be better off managing Manchester United or Real Madrid.

In a few short sentences, a manager who lasted less than half a season as manager of Newcastle United and has never won a trophy, went on to proclaim his own genius, suggesting that, if he did occupy one of the top jobs in Europe, he would win a piece of silverware every year.

Andy Carroll's decision to sign a new five year contract is unquestionably good news for Newcastle United, but do not make the mistake of assuming that means he will automatically remain at St James' Park for that length of time.

The club's determination to tie one of their best young players down to a long term contract is to be applauded.

It is shrewd and sensible, but it is also self-serving as it means, should they decide to sell Carroll, they will get the best possible price for him.

Do not mistake Chris Hughton for a soft touch, there is a sharp blade wrapped in that affable exterior, but I've never seen him seeth before.

Few people in football, let alone among Newcastle's support, will have any problem with what he said after the 2-1 defeat at Manchester City.

To describe the two decisions made by referee Martin Atkinson - the first to award City a penalty after Mike Williamson appeared to win the ball outside the area and the second not to award Newcastle a penalty when Joleon Lescott clearly tripped Shola Ameobi - as horrendous was fair comment.