New Number 9!!!!

Today Andy Carroll, a born and bred Geordie, has been given the most coveted shirt for Newcastle United. Which is of course the number 9 shirt! Previously worn by legends such as Alan Shearer, Jackie Milburn and Malcolm McDonald. The last time the number 9 shirt was worn was on the infamous day when United were relegated, Obafemi Martins donned the shirt on that occasion, and it was to be his last appearance for the club.

Carroll, 21, performed magnificently last season in the Championship scoring 19 goals and leading the line very well. He is the typical number 9, big, strong, exceptional in the air and battles non stop for 90 minutes. His left peg isn't too shabby either.

"I'm immensely proud. It's an unbelievable feeling," Carroll told the club's website."Alan Shearer was my idol as a young lad and who would have thought I'd be following in his footsteps?" "It's every young Geordie lad's dream to be a Newcastle United number nine and I'm so lucky to be given that chance," he added. " It's an opportunity I relish and intent doing my utmost to do the shirt proud. When you look at the fantastic players down the years who have worn the shirt, it sends shivers down your spine. It's amazing. "Having grown up following and watching the team I'm obviously aware of the great tradition the number nine shirt holds. It's probably unique in football in that sense and to be wearing it is incredible."

I think it is a good decision to give Carroll the number nine shirt. Hopefully it will give him the confidence to go out and score plenty of goals in the top division, as he now knows he is the top striker at the club. He is also a Geordie boy so he will know what the shirt means to the fans. I'm glad it has been given back to a local lad because, even though i adored Oba Martins, he can relate better to the fans having been a life-long fan himself. I just hope Andy can keep his feet on the ground, keep on improving, and lead the line brilliantly for years to come. Good luck Andy fella!

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