• Premier League

Pardew insists 'Carroll stays' at Newcastle

ESPN staff
December 9, 2010
Alan Pardew intends to keep Andy Carroll © PA Photos
Enlarge

Alan Pardew delivered an early piece of good news as Newcastle manager, insisting he has no plans to sell star striker Andy Carroll.

Pardew was confirmed as Magpies boss on Thursday, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal at St James' Park. He confessed in his first press conference that he is aware that his appointment is not a popular one on Tyneside, but he vowed to win the respect of the players.

The former West Ham, Charlton and Southampton manager has already seen his name attached to negative reports in the English press, linking him to a squad makeover. Carroll, recently handed an England debut, was named as a major fund-raiser for Pardew's new-look Newcastle side.

However, Pardew moved quickly to dismiss those rumours on Thursday, insisting he plans to make Carroll the focal point of his attack.

"When I sat down with Derek [Llambias, managing director] last night, Andy Carroll came up and he stays," Pardew told Sky Sports News. "The No. 9 shirt is legendary and he's shown he's big enough to wear it.

"It would be a massive, massive blow if he left but I am sure he will stay."

Carroll had earlier stated on Thursday that he has no plans to leave the club.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close