West Brom ‘won’t be popular’ after Andy Carroll exit – Chris Lepkowski
Chris Lepkowski insists that West Brom chiefs “won’t be popular” after their decision not to renew veteran striker Andy Carroll’s contract.
The former Newcastle striker joined the club on a short-term deal following the injury to Albion striker Daryl Dike amid their push for promotion.
Lepkowski hailed the Baggies’ “long-overdue assertiveness” but insisted the 33-year-old must be replaced in the summer.
He said on Twitter: “Carroll exit won’t be popular with all but shows some long-overdue assertiveness at West Bromwich Albion over player retention.
“Hanging onto players long past their prime been an issue for a long time. Hopefully will be replaced in close season – making do with current forwards won’t be enough.”
Bittersweet.
This is a very tough one to judge. Carroll has probably been West Brom’s best player since joining as a free agent.
It seemed a bizarre move when the Englishman first came in but he shocked everyone with countless great performances whilst the rest of this disgraceful Albion squad were struggling.
Whilst axing an old player like Carroll is a positive move for the future of the club, it doesn’t sit right with the Baggies fans.
They know he offers something no other player in Steve Bruce’s squad does and with him leaving there are question marks on where that experience will come from amid the Hawthorns rebuild.
Tying him down to another short-term deal on similar wages looked to be the best option before the club made the decision.
Dike could have really learned from the former Liverpool striker as he looks to make his name in England but hopefully, the club have a plan in place.
In other West Brom news, View: Bruce needs to rethink Albion’s stance on Dike this summer.
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