Carroll "Immensely Proud" To Wear No.9 Shirt
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.
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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
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.
Quote: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)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
heres a list i suspect maldini was who you were thinking of
[en.wikipedia.org]
Quote:DaraghLQuote: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)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
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