Andy Carroll has stuck the knife in former manager Steve Bruce following his West Bromwich Albion sacking. The duo worked together at Newcastle United for two seasons, with Bruce bringing the 6ft 4in striker back to Tyneside on a free transfer - eight years after his £35million exit.
Just one goal in 43 appearances wearing black-and-white stripes saw Carroll released by Newcastle in 2021. The Gateshead-born target man joined West Brom in January this year, only to be reunited with Bruce just days later when the club appointed him as manager.
However, Carroll would face the 61-year-old’s axe for the second time in 12 months as his short-term contract was not renewed over the summer. There is clearly no love lost between the pair as he paid little sympathy to Bruce’s recent departure.
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One win in their opening 12 games gave West Brom - sitting third-bottom of the Championship - no choice but to sack the ex-Toon boss. Carroll’s new team, Reading, are set to face the Baggies on Saturday.
Ahead of the clash, the 33-year-old fired a brutal dig at his former manager - claiming Reading were “guaranteed” three points with Bruce in the dugout. Carroll told the Reading Chronicle : "It’s always sad to see people get the sack. Especially when we were guaranteed three points at the weekend. It is a shame but that’s football.
"If you don’t get the results, it’s a business at the end of the day. That’s why you have to keep the lads together and work hard as a manager and get the lads working hard for you. Everyone is enjoying themselves."
"I’m surprised," he said. "They’ve got a great squad and a great team. It’s surprising to see them down there but it is the way football is. If they win the next three or four games they’re right back up there."
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