Andy Carroll

[cream]

All this talk of Messi is getting me excited. There's no smoke without fire!

But is he as good as Carroll was towards the end of last season?

[Muddled]

Yes I understand that. So LFC are leaking these stories rather than Newcastle or Carroll's people. You think that?

I apologise, I read your original post in the wrong context and or tone - sorry.

Fair comment. I think we have played this out in the media from day one, but I agree that Newcastle have started to play their hand in the media too. All-in-all, it's making it all rather public.

[baitman]

Keep it under your hat son. Don't want this info getting into the wrong hands.

a good try, but spuds are already announcing the press conference

[Vermilion]

But is he as good as Carroll was towards the end of last season?

That's unfair! Messi never had to play at Stoke, in the rain..wet..cold, and at night even.

[kingfunk]

If Andy Carroll was the top scorer in the prem last season, would Rodgers still be looking to get rid?

[Tee]

But is he as good as Carroll was towards the end of last season?

That's unfair! Messi never had to play at Stoke, in the rain..wet..cold, and at night even.

[dom9]

I apologise, I read your original post in the wrong context and or tone - sorry.

Fair comment. I think we have played this out in the media from day one, but I agree that Newcastle have started to play their hand in the media too. All-in-all, it's making it all rather public.

No worries, or need to apologise.

[Lecter]

Carroll's skill set seems at odds with the requirements that Rodgers' style of play demands. So, to put it simplistically, we really need to build a team around Rodgers ideas or Carroll's style of play - but not both, as that would seem unfair on the pair of them.

Is it just Carroll who doesnt fit Rodgers style of play? Theres tons of players at the club who I dont think are capable of playing his style of play yet crucially Rodgers has given them a chance to prove themsevles (Carroll has yet to have that chance). People keep banging on about Cole suiting his system and to me his style of play is the anti-thesis to Rodgers' system. Rodgers system relies on short sharp passing and movement whereas Coles game is about dribbling, flicks and tricks so I'm none convinced by him fitting the model but hes been given a chance by Rodgers

[red g]

Is it just Carroll who doesnt fit Rodgers style of play? Theres tons of players at the club who I dont think are capable of playing his style of play yet crucially Rodgers has given them a chance to prove themsevles (Carroll has yet to have that chance). People keep banging on about Cole suiting his system and to me his style of play is the anti-thesis to Rodgers' system. Rodgers system relies on short sharp passing and movement whereas Coles game is about dribbling, flicks and tricks so I'm none convinced by him fitting the model but hes been given a chance by Rodgers

But we wont get 15m+ for Cole....although we probably wont get that for Carroll either

[baronvonskidmark]

Is it just Carroll who doesnt fit Rodgers style of play? Theres tons of players at the club who I dont think are capable of playing his style of play yet crucially Rodgers has given them a chance to prove themsevles (Carroll has yet to have that chance). People keep banging on about Cole suiting his system and to me his style of play is the anti-thesis to Rodgers' system. Rodgers system relies on short sharp passing and movement whereas Coles game is about dribbling, flicks and tricks so I'm none convinced by him fitting the model but hes been given a chance by Rodgers

No, I don't think it is just Carroll who doesn't fit Rodgers' style of play. As you say, there are a few who would probably struggle. However, perhaps Rodgers believes that he can mould or adapt their style of play to suit his system - but crucially, not change the system that he believes in. If that is the case, then there must be a finite amount of individuals that he believes he can mould. Arguably, the fact that we are linked with so many players who are familiar with Rodgers' style of play (Sigurdsson, Borini, Allen) would support this. Perhaps his past experience with Cole gives him a belief that he can do this with him. Ironing out the dependence on flicks and tricks could actually make Cole a far better player.

I do think that Cole is more comfortable with the ball than Carroll and so there is a potential to mould him into a player who could fit Rodgers' system, even if he would never be a shining light within that system. I don't really see any possibility of that potential with Andy. I think his skill set is fundamentally at odds with a Rodgers system - especially his lack of movement.

That said, I wouldn't be in tears if we managed to sell Cole and, as the window has not been open long, there is no guarantee that he won't be sold if someone is prepared to take on his ridiculous wages.

[Lecter]

But we wont get 15m+ for Cole....although we probably wont get that for Carroll either

See this is my fear

The decision to sell Carroll carte blanche isnt solely based on whether he does or doesnt fit Rodgers system

Its more a financial decision

That is concerning imo

[DannyMan2006]

I'm sorry, but striker is likely the most important part of a team. Next season we will only play with one so I think it's bloody important that the one who plays in the first XI is suited to the style we will play.

Now Carroll is not a **** player. Play to his strengths and he can scare the life out of opposition defenders. Chuck it in the air and watch him bully CB's and make them panic.

But play it over the top and he'll never out pace the CB. Ask him to run all over the pitch to link play and it won't happen. He isn't lazy, he just isn't capable. Ask him to play quick one touch passing and then spinning his marker and he can't really do that. His touch is generally poor.

Dirk Kuyt was a good player for us but we'd never ask him to try and beat a full back. He can't do it.

Whilst I'm all for giving players chances, what is the point in keeping Carroll when he is not the type of player we require? We don't need a target man, so why keep him?

If its just to avoid a loss on the fee then that's foolish. The longer we keep him, the less he'll be worth.

After seeing his displays v Chelsea I looked forward to seeing Carroll this year, but he doesn't suit.

Sell

[Lecter]

No, I don't think it is just Carroll who doesn't fit Rodgers' style of play. As you say, there are a few who would probably struggle. However, perhaps Rodgers believes that he can mould or adapt their style of play to suit his system - but crucially, not change the system that he believes in. If that is the case, then there must be a finite amount of individuals that he believes he can mould. Arguably, the fact that we are linked with so many players who are familiar with Rodgers' style of play (Sigurdsson, Borini, Allen) would support this. Perhaps his past experience with Cole gives him a belief that he can do this with him. Ironing out the dependence on flicks and tricks could actually make Cole a far better player.

I do think that Cole is more comfortable with the ball than Carroll and so there is a potential to mould him into a player who could fit Rodgers' system. I don't really see any possibility of that potential with Andy. I think his skill set is fundamentally at odds with a Rodgers system - especially his lack of movement.

That said, I wouldn't be in tears if we managed to sell Cole and, as the window has not been open long, there is no guarantee that he won't be sold if someone is prepared to take on his ridiculous wages.

Cole is 30 or 31 its very difficult to iron out habits at that age

Carroll is 23, his all round game improved dramatically last season

Personally I'd rather see the back of Cole AND Aquilani ahead of Carroll

[Lee]

See this is my fear

The decision to sell Carroll carte blanche isnt solely based on whether he does or doesnt fit Rodgers system

Its more a financial decision

That is concerning imo

Seems that way to me.

I think FSG are keen to cut the wage bill (understandable) and I also think that we need to sell to buy. Kuyt, Maxi, Aurelio - and Cole & Bellamy if they leave - are all on free transfers.

So then to make any money we're looking to shift the likes of Carroll, Downing and Adam. The return will be next to nothing compared to what we layed out for them, but if Rodgers wants his own people then so be it.

[CJ]

so what happened to the 60m lec?