Andy Carroll reveals he regretted West Brom transfer ‘from the second day I was there’
ANDY CARROLL has admitted he regretted his move to West Brom from his “second day there”.
The Reading forward, 33, ditched the Royals in January for the Baggies – only to return this season.
Carroll was recruited by ex-West Brom boss Valerien Ismael after an injury suffered by striker Daryl Dike.
Just one game later, however, Ismael was sacked – forcing the former England striker into a reunion with old Newcastle boss Steve Bruce.
Speaking to Berkshire Live about his time at the Hawthorns, Carroll admitted: “To be honest, the second day I was there I regretted being there.”
Carroll left West Brom after scoring three goals in 15 games, being released at the end of his short-term deal.
He was a free agent until September, when he penned a deal to return to Reading until January.
Following Bruce’s West Brom sacking in October ahead of their clash with Reading, Carroll made a stunning dig at his old boss.
He said: “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.
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“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.”
While Carroll could be a free agent again next month, this time he is hoping to extend his stay with Paul Ince’s side.
He said: “Hopefully you guys have asked the gaffer and he has given you the answer, but I am willing to sign if there is a deal there.”
Carroll has played 12 times for the Royals this term, scoring twice.
Reading went into this weekend eighth in the Championship table – two points off the play-off positions.