By Tyne-Talk
July 20 2010

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has been rewarded with the number 9 shirt after scoring 19 goals last season to ensure the club were promoted back to the Premier League. The 21 year old who follows Shearer, Milburn & MacDonald in wearing the shirt has told the club website he is "immensely proud" to follow in the footsteps of his idol Alan Shearer & thanked Chris Hughton for the opportunity.

He told nufc.co.uk; 

"It hasn't really sunk in yet. I'm immensely proud and really it's an unbelievable feeling.

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, as I say, to be wearing it, is incredible.

Alan Shearer was my idol as a young lad, and who would have thought I would 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.

It's an opportunity I relish and intend doing my utmost to do the shirt proud.

I would also like to thank Chris Hughton and his staff for the faith they have put in me."

The news should go some way to dispelling the rumours that Carroll will be leaving the club this summer.

Carroll "Immesely Proud" To Wear No.9 Shirt

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 20/07/2010 17:48

TyneTalk
20/07/2010 17:48

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

MissC
20/07/2010 18:21

Poor Poor spelling in the title of this forum post

Reply Quote Report

tunyc
21/07/2010 16:08

True, dat. Iminzelee baad speling...

Reply Quote Report

jimmy_jay_uk
22/07/2010 12:13

Glad he's got it.

Plenty people on facebook were saying #9 should have been retired when Shearer retired. baalls to that.

Get us a goal at Old Trafford Carroll

Reply Quote Report

tunyc
22/07/2010 16:56

Retiring a shirt number? Is that done?

Reply Quote Report

TOONTILLIDIE
23/07/2010 08:19

I think it has been done, can't remember what team or the player but think it happened in the last 10 year. Wasn't at our club though

Reply Quote Report

tunyc
23/07/2010 15:27

I don't like the way numbers are retired by teams here in the states. A big player wearing a number gives it an aura, a mystique that can be passed along to future players. Every time Carroll puts on that shirt he's going to be thinking of Shearer. Whether the pressure is good or bad for him, it's not the same as wearing #43, for example.

Also, it's impractical...the New York Yankees have retired (among others) 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and when their current shortstop retires they'll retire #2. Future players won't be able to wear the numbers that, once upon a time, starting players were required to wear.

Reply Quote Report

DaraghL
26/07/2010 18:46

Quote:

TOONTILLIDIE
I think it has been done, can't remember what team or the player but think it happened in the last 10 year. Wasn't at our club though

its done a lot a few clubs have number 12 retired aswell i just read there ( for the 12th man a bit cheesesey in my opinion)
heres a list i suspect maldini was who you were thinking of
[en.wikipedia.org]

Reply Quote Report

tunyc
26/07/2010 20:14

We were recently arguing over the definition of cheesy here in my office-but under any definition, that is indeed cheesy.

Reply Quote Report

waffles
26/07/2010 20:15

Most of the retired numbers in England are for players who died during their tenure at the club. I think Bobby Moore's #6 at West Ham is the only exception to that.

Reply Quote Report

TOONTILLIDIE
27/07/2010 09:36

Quote:

DaraghL

Quote:

TOONTILLIDIE
I think it has been done, can't remember what team or the player but think it happened in the last 10 year. Wasn't at our club though

its done a lot a few clubs have number 12 retired aswell i just read there ( for the 12th man a bit cheesesey in my opinion)
heres a list i suspect maldini was who you were thinking of
[en.wikipedia.org]

Cheers for that, personally I think it is stupid, as I think it gives a player somebody to look upto and try and beat the previous player which can only be good for the club

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net