Newcastle United news: Signing Andy Carroll was a ‘no-brainer’, says Steve Bruce
The 30-year-old striker was a free agent after leaving West Ham in the summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steve Bruce has described the signing of Andy Carroll as a “no-brainer” ahead of Newcastle United‘s opening game against Arsenal.
Carroll scored 33 goals for the club in a five year stint in the first team before leaving for Liverpool for what was, at the time, a record fee for a British footballer.
Though his free agent status meant a deal did not have to be struck before the window closed, Carroll is now available for Newcastle’s first game, and Bruce is happy to have the towering forward at his disposal.
“If he stays fit, then a fit Andy Carroll is as good as you’re going to get. He is determined to come and be successful again here.
“It was just a conversation with Andy. He was desperate – a bit like myself, I suppose – to come back, and of course the big question mark of everybody is can we get him back quickly and can he stay fit?”
Newcastle also secured the signing of Emil Krafth on deadline day, and the Swedish international could also make his first appearance against Arsenal with first choice right-back DeAndre Yedlin not yet recovered from an operation.
Arsenal will represent tough opposition for manager Bruce’s first game in charge at St James’ Park, and Bruce is aware of the danger that Unai Emery’s side will pose.
“Make no mistake – they were Europa League finalists [last season]. They’re a big club and have been for years... You always know it’s going to be a tough game.
“They are a big club that have threats at the top of the field. I expect them to be very good and they have had a wonderful window.”
Yet in Carroll Bruce too possesses a potential point of difference, with his aerial ability sure to test defences throughout the season.
With a relegation battle widely forecast for Newcastle, Bruce recognises the importance of his new-look forward line, particularly the sizeable presence of Carroll.
“You are always only as good as your strikers. When we come up against the big teams, defensively we will have to be spot on, but we have to cause the other teams a threat, we have that threat now.”
“It’s his home-town club – it was a no-brainer, really, one of those where you’re delighted to do it.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments