Andy Carroll: No player is bigger than their club

“I don't think any player is bigger than the club. That's what the lads believe, the manager, all the staff and the fans. We showed we're a tight group and got three points for it”

Andy Carroll was Brace the Hammer’s man of the match and quite easily so. It wasn’t just the wonder goal that elevated him, it was his defensive duties during the match as well. Carroll found himself in key positions even in the stagnated first half, heading and clearing balls away from danger. Then, like a midnight train to Georgia, Carroll steamrolled up the field to lay waste offensively.

Like any good narrative, the villain (whomever that is for you) has put West Ham in a dire situation, only for our hero to emerge and save the day from certain oblivion. However, the hero also has an opinion, and it’s a strong one. No single player is bigger than the club. I like to believe that was Bilic’s mantra all week in practice. Play for the fans, play for the badge.

Andy Carroll didn’t grow up a West Ham United fan, in fact, he’s a Newcastle supporter. However, even he understands what West Ham means to East London. Dimitri Payet never did. He played for himself, his career, and the furtherance of his name. Even Karren Brady, who more than likely created this situation West Ham finds themselves in, couldn’t resist taking a jab at Payet.

The Daily Star is reporting Marseille will most likely meet the 35 million asking price for Dimitri Payet, with the two sides meeting tomorrow. The man who we all once sang songs for, cheered for, lived and died with, will be back home after only 18 months. The sooner he’s sold and we can all move on with our footballing lives, the better.