Once a Hammer, always a Hammer.
That's a philosophy Andy Carroll certainly buys into, as the former West Ham striker was filmed chanting with the club's fans ahead of the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final against AZ Alkmaar. The Hammers will reach their first major European cup final in 47 years if they avoid defeat in the Netherlands on Thursday evening.
West Ham won the first leg 2-1 at the London Stadium a week ago, but AZ will be confident of completing a comeback at the AFAS Stadion. Carroll will not be part of David Moyes' squad for the big game, but he will be cheering the boys on.
Carroll was filmed singing "West Ham are massive" with a large group of supporters in the Netherlands ahead of Thursday night's game. He also took selfies with fans, enjoyed a pint or two and soaked up the glorious Dutch sunshine along with dozens of others.
Carroll has been described as a "legend" and the "GOAT" by West Ham fans on social media for interacting with the travelling supporters. As for David Moyes' team, they will be keen to win the Europa Conference League and end a 43-year trophy drought.
Winning UEFA's tertiary club competition would be a huge boost for West Ham after a tough season. The Hammers aren't mathematically safe from relegation with two Premier League games to go, sitting six points above the relegation zone.
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Unless something dramatic happens, West Ham will survive. Yet winning the Europa Conference League will add some gloss to their campaign. If Moyes' men hold on to their 2-1 advantage against AZ, they will face either Fiorentina or Basel in the final on June 7.
Carroll wasn't the only West Ham legend on the trip, as Tony Cottee was spotted speaking to his fellow striker at one point. Only Vic Watson (326), Geoff Hurst (249), Jimmy Ruffell (166) and John Dick (166) have scored more goals for the Hammers than Cottee (146).
Carroll is viewed as a cult hero by West Ham fans after spending seven seasons in east London. Injuries restricted the former England international to 34 goals in 142 appearances, but he clearly built a rapport with the club's fans that remains to this day.
Carroll, now 34, is currently on the books at Reading, who suffered relegation to League One this season. The striker still has 12 months left on his contract and has promised 'work his a*** off' to get the Royals back in the Championship at the first attempt.
Taking to Instagram, Carroll wrote: "I'm so, so sorry we weren't enough this season. I know I'll be working my f****** a**** off this summer to get this fantastic club back up and beyond. Thank you for making this club my home."
Yet a number of Championship clubs will be interesting in signing Carroll after he scored nine goals in 30 league outings for Reading this season. That return suggests he's still good enough to play in England's second tier.
