Last chance for Carroll to hit right note at Toon

The injury-plagued 31-yearold striker is ready to extend his time at the club after a heavily appearance-related contract was finalised.

Carroll has failed to find the net at all this season – spending most of it on the sidelines as he battled to regain his fitness.

He made just four starts and nine appearances from the bench as he fought consistently to overcome yet more injuries.

Toon chief Steve Bruce (right) cut a frustrated figure as Carroll successfully defeated one setback only to be hit by another as his homecoming turned into a damp squib.

The six-foot four-inch forward has been plagued throughout his career by ankle issues. He also picked up a hip problem which, despite numerous attempts, could not be given a satisfactory prognosis.

With £35million signing Joelinton struggling to convince, Bruce was desperately in need of an alternative, but could not get Carroll on the pitch for any significant length of time.

Which meant the former England international was expected to be leaving St James’ Park ahead of the long-awaited takeover by the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia.

But with several other contract issues outstanding, the club decided to offer the former Liverpool forward one final chance to make an impact.

With the delay in giving the green light to the Saudis now running at three months the matter could not be put off.

With points still required to lift Newcastle to safety, Bruce did not want an upset Carroll stalking the corridors and is well aware that, if he can regain his fitness, he remains capable of finding the net regularly.

However, Carroll will at least not be costing the club a huge amount of money. His basic pay is well below the norm and will only increase if he plays on a regular basis.

Vowed

There has also been positive movement this week over contract offers to midfielder Matty Longstaff and defender Javier Manquillo.

Meanwhile, Bruce has vowed to stay on as Newcastle boss even if the Saudi takeover goes through.

The Newcastle head coach has insisted that he deserves the chance to build a squad after just 11 months in charge. Bruce has waited most of his career to take charge at Newcastle, after passing up the chance to succeed Sir Bobby Robson 16 years ago.

With Mike Ashley selling up for £300m, and the Saudi-backed consortium hopefully bringing in fresh investment, Bruce has made his case.

He said: “The reason I took the job is I am a Newcastle fan and always will be. My job is to take the club forward.

“If there is going to be a takeover, if there is something happening that will help the club, and I can help in any way, shape of form, I would love to stay in charge. “And why not? I have enjoyed every minute of it. It is a difficult

job, but I have enjoyed the challenge of managing this great club and I hope I can take it forward if that is the case.

“But it’s for other people to decide, and I have said from the day I walked in the door that whatever is best for the club is good by me.”

Bruce has weathered takeover uncertainty in his past jobs and will focus on securing a top ten finish, starting against Sheffield United this afternoon.

Asked about being pitched into a legal minefield with the Saudis trying to prove they are worthy owners amid human rights and TV piracy concerns, Bruce said: “It could only happen to Newcastle, couldn’t it? I’ve only been here a year but are we surprised?

“To get involved in politics and things above you... I’ve been able to let it go over my head because there’s nothing I can do.”