Whether Newcastle survive or not, there could be a huge overhaul at St James’ Park this summer.
The Magpies have multiple players with expiring contracts, including Andy Carroll.
And according to the Chronicle, talks on his future will be delayed until May.
They report that the striker is keen to stay at the club, but he will have to wait until mid-May to discover his future.
Carroll returned to the club in 2019 to a lot of fanfare, but his comeback has been far from successful.
The local lad has managed just one goal, a lovely volley in a 2-1 defeat to Leicester.
His first season back was plagued by injuries, but season two has seen him struggle for opportunities.
Carroll started the campaign in the starting XI, but was dropped after the 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
His most recent appearance came in the 0-0 draw at West Brom, where Carroll played a pitiful 30 seconds as Steve Bruce ran down the clock. However, Carroll still had time to give away a free kick.
At 32, it’s difficult to see what Carroll can offer us in the Premier League. His lack of mobility makes him easy to marshal for defenders, while his poor goal return is also a concern.
But if we do suffer relegation then perhaps Carroll can play a role.
Championship Carroll
Assuming Mike Ashley still owns the club, funds will be limited this summer. They will be even more limited if we are in the Championship.
While the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron could leave for big money, there is no guarantee that it will be reinvested into the playing squad.
We may have to make do with a lot of the players we have, which is why we should keep Carroll.
Although he is far from good enough in the Premier League, he could surely do a job in the Championship.
His style is more suited to playing against teams who sit deep, which would be more likely in the second tier.
Despite our recent demise, we would be a big scalp for a lot of clubs in the Championship. They will sit back and look to frustrate us. That’s where Carroll could come into his own.
His impact off the pitch could also be important. We will need a squad that is willing to stick together and fight for promotion. We will need leaders. In the latter years of his career, that’s exactly what Carroll is.
While is performances in black and white have been far from good enough in the Premier League, we may have to rely on his experience if we suffer relegation.
It might not be a popular decision, but it could be a sensible one.
Of course, in an ideal world we won’t need to make this decision as we avoid relegation. But this is Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United…
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