Andy Carroll - He's back

[Hendo]

I'm probably late to the party but it was interesting to hear Carroll's explanation for the rowing celebration.

Pauno told them after the points deduction they're all in the same boat so he was just playing on that.

Also... I never watched Robin Friday but my understanding is he was a long-haired tough lad who was way above our level but didn't care too much about money and just wanted a good time playing. Is Carroll similar in some way? Longhaired chap, reportedly on 1k a week, doesn't care much about money clearly and just wants to play and shine even in a struggling champsionship team? Fantastic guy to have around!

Would also imagine that Carroll doesn't really mind about the money for this very short term contract, based on the previous wages he has been getting throughout his career...

[paultheroyal]

I hope Ian enjoys eating his hat. What hat do you think Ian would wear?

Flouncy hat.

[morganb]

I'm probably late to the party but it was interesting to hear Carroll's explanation for the rowing celebration.

Pauno told them after the points deduction they're all in the same boat so he was just playing on that.

VP says the boat metaphor has really been picked up at the club as a whole. Says he went to an academy game on Sunday and they celebrated with the same boat image as the first team after Carroll's goal.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BenjyNurick/ ... 4479285256

[Sutekh]

VP says the boat metaphor has really been picked up at the club as a whole.

Let’s hope it’s not a case of all being at sea on Saturday then.

[Millsy]

VP says the boat metaphor has really been picked up at the club as a whole.

Let’s hope it’s not a case of all being at sea on Saturday then.

Looking forward to seeing a Mexican wave next home game.

[Franchise FC]

VP says the boat metaphor has really been picked up at the club as a whole.

Let’s hope it’s not a case of all being at sea on Saturday then.

Looking forward to seeing a Mexican wave next home game.

Surprised you didn’t go with a win on Saturday to be riding the crest of …etc.

[Greatwesternline]

Row Row Row your boat to be adopted as the club anthem.

If this doesn't happen i'm cutting my 2005/05 half season ticket and 2006/07 season card in half and putting my half and half Reading Arsenal FA Cup semi scarf to the back of my sock drawer.

[The Cube]

I regret to say that Oops Upside your Head was played at half-time of the U23 game on Monday, and we will no doubt get it again on Saturday.

[morganb]

We're fortunate that when Andy joined the club he'd kept himself ship-shape.

Then for his first Reading appearance Carroll came on as a sub.

[Sutekh]

I can sea we're sinking back into the world of wharful puns.

[Uke]

Do ketch up!

[Snowflake Royal]

I hope Ian enjoys eating his hat. What hat do you think Ian would wear?

My concerns were always about fitness, goalscoring, fit with our style of play and cost vs blocking others.

He's looking much much better than I expected, at a reported absolute bargain discount, but he's still only played 141 minutes of football and we're not exactly playing to his strengths despite his goal. I won't get too excited by a suicidal Swansea defence and one well taken goal.

We'll see, but I'd be absolutely delighted to be wrong about him. He's been a tremendous amount fitter and more mobile than I expected.

As for my hat, depends on the time of year. Baseball cap in summer, wooly hat in winter.

[Sutekh]

I hope Ian enjoys eating his hat. What hat do you think Ian would wear?

As for my hat, depends on the time of year. Baseball cap in summer, wooly hat in winter.

Perhaps a jaunty boating hat might be more appropriate for a while.

[Snowflake Royal]

I hope Ian enjoys eating his hat. What hat do you think Ian would wear?

As for my hat, depends on the time of year. Baseball cap in summer, wooly hat in winter.

Perhaps a jaunty boating hat might be more appropriate for a while.

I quite like that. Do you have one in chocolate?

[Royal_jimmy]

I think Carroll will still get a lot of game time once Joao is back.

Anyone know how far off he is?

[Franchise FC]

I think Carroll will still get a lot of game time once Joao is back.

Anyone know how far off he is?

Ha may get game time, but will it be with us ?

[Snowflake Royal]

I think Carroll will still get a lot of game time once Joao is back.

Anyone know how far off he is?

Ha may get game time, but will it be with us ?

Yes.

Joao has been out for a long time and has scored 2 goals in his last 17 appearances.

He needs to be eased back in, which means 10 - 20 mins at the end of a match for 2 - 3 games then 60 - 70 for another couple.

If he continues on his dry spell then I'd expect Carroll to a regular 15 mins, if not take his spot from him. And if he starts blazing away again, then I can see us winning a fair few and protecting him by chucking on Carroll to see things out.

Joao also has a poor injury record, so combined with our appalling record there's a good chance he's out again within 3 weeks of returning.

[Franchise FC]

I think Carroll will still get a lot of game time once Joao is back.

Anyone know how far off he is?

Ha may get game time, but will it be with us ?

Yes.

Joao has been out for a long time and has scored 2 goals in his last 17 appearances.

He needs to be eased back in, which means 10 - 20 mins at the end of a match for 2 - 3 games then 60 - 70 for another couple.

If he continues on his dry spell then I'd expect Carroll to a regular 15 mins, if not take his spot from him. And if he starts blazing away again, then I can see us winning a fair few and protecting him by chucking on Carroll to see things out.

Joao also has a poor injury record, so combined with our appalling record there's a good chance he's out again within 3 weeks of returning.

That’s assuming Carroll extends his contract with us

[URZZZZ]

Ha may get game time, but will it be with us ?

Yes.

Joao has been out for a long time and has scored 2 goals in his last 17 appearances.

He needs to be eased back in, which means 10 - 20 mins at the end of a match for 2 - 3 games then 60 - 70 for another couple.

If he continues on his dry spell then I'd expect Carroll to a regular 15 mins, if not take his spot from him. And if he starts blazing away again, then I can see us winning a fair few and protecting him by chucking on Carroll to see things out.

Joao also has a poor injury record, so combined with our appalling record there's a good chance he's out again within 3 weeks of returning.

That’s assuming Carroll extends his contract with us

If so, and (fingers crossed) there are no more injuries up top, you have to feel it’s the end for Puscas (barring a hat trick on Saturday), with Carroll and Joao both comfortably ahead in the pecking order with the additional options of Clarke and Azeez

[YorkshireRoyal99]

Hopefully Puscas does go, it just hasn't worked for him since Pauno arrived, taking a massive hit on him as well unfortunately.

Carroll, Joao and Meite should be ok for the rest of the season with Clarke coming through potentially as well, it should be enough to see us through.