Former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has stuck the knife into one of his former managers after they were sacked earlier this week.
The striker is currently on the books at Reading, where he plays under former Reds captain Paul Ince, and is set to face one of his former clubs this weekend as the Royals host West Bromwich Albion. However, the Baggies, who sit 22nd in the Championship table, come into the match without a manager after dismissing Steve Bruce earlier this week.
Carroll spent the second half of last season at the Hawthorns, opting to join the Baggies rather than extend his short-term contract with Reading after a promising half-season stint at the Madejski Stadium. But Bruce was appointed as West Brom manager days after the striker's arrival and would release the 33-year-old in the summer after he scored three goals in 15 appearances.
READ MORE: New post-match footage of Gabriel and Jordan Henderson emerges from Arsenal vs Liverpool game
READ MORE: Chelsea 'join race' to sign free agent midfielder linked with Liverpool
That marked the second time Bruce had released Carroll in the space of a year, having also decided against offering him a new contract at Newcastle United last year despite being the manager who brought him back to St James' Park on a free transfer eight years after his £35m move to Liverpool.
Re-signed by Reading last month following his Baggies release, the former England international has scored one goal in four appearances for the Royals so far this season, adding to his total of two goals from eight games last year. And ahead of facing his old club this weekend, Carroll has admitted his disappointment that he won't have the opportunity to prove a direct point to his former manager while taunting Bruce's failings at the Hawthorns this season.
"It’s always sad to see people get the sack," he said. "Especially when we were guaranteed three points at the weekend. It is a shame but that’s football.
"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."
READ NEXT
-
Liverpool can unleash secret attacking weapon against Man City
-
Paul Scholes makes brutal Liverpool snub in Manchester United prediction
-
Mikel Arteta breaks silence on FA investigation after Arsenal's Liverpool complaint
-
Jurgen Klopp has two major Liverpool decisions to make for Man City
-
Liverpool fans make clear Mohamed Salah point after Champions League 'royalty' empties Ibrox
