BBC pundit Carlton Palmer has admitted that he thinks it is absolutely the ‘right decision’ for West Brom to allow Andy Carroll to leave the club this summer.
The Lowdown: Carroll set to depart
The 33-year-old first arrived at the Hawthorns on a free transfer in the January window following the expiration of his short-term deal with fellow Championship rivals Reading.
He made 15 appearances for the Baggies, scoring three goals during that time, as per Transfermarkt.
The forward’s current contract with West Brom is set to expire at the end of June, and since the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, it’s been reported that Steve Bruce will not be offering Carroll new terms, meaning that he has already played his last game for the Midlands outfit.
The Latest: Palmer backs West Brom decision
When asked whether or not the club made the right choice to part ways with the nine-cap international, Palmer told Football League World 'what's happening':
“Absolutely right decision.
“I mean, I think I always thought that Andy Carroll was a short-term fix to try and help them out, doesn’t play enough games and doesn’t score enough goals.
“I mean, he’s, he’s been a good player, a very good player, but he’s, he’s at the end of his career now.
“So teams will take him in, I mean I’m sure Andy Carroll is still earning decent money, but teams will take him in on short-term gigs now, and that’s what’s happening.”
The Verdict: A true professional
Carroll definitely made an impact during his short stint with the Baggies, adding a different dimension up top with his physical presence, standing at a staggering 6 foot 3.
It doesn’t come as any surprise to see the striker being let go though, especially considering that the club had a disappointing end to the campaign, having missed out on a top-six place.
Bruce will now be looking to bolster his ranks hopefully with younger players rather than renewing contracts of older, more experienced individuals if he wants to make a serious push for promotion next season.
The £720k-rated veteran is now likely to find himself skipping around multiple clubs on short-term deals after his imminent Hawthorns departure which should take him to the end of a very successful football career.