Ex-Liverpool striker Andy Carroll seals return to former club with late transfer

Former Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll has finally found a new club having returned to former employers Reading as a free agent.

The 33-year-old forward previously represented the Championship side for the first-half of last season before departing for West Bromwich Albion. Carroll was only at The Hawthorns for six months, with his contract then expiring. He remained a free agent throughout the transfer window but has finally penned terms on a contract with Reading - his deal is set to run until January.

Upon his arrival, Royals boss Paul Ince said: "I am really pleased to have Andy with us. Of course, a striker of his prowess gives us power and a battling presence at the top of the pitch and I'm sure that will translate into goals.

"However, Andy's arrival also offers us another strong voice in the dressing room. He is a leader, both on and off the pitch, and having trained with us all this week I can already see the positive influence he will have on the players around him and the boost he will no doubt give to the fans."

Carroll made eight appearances for Reading during his previous spell with the club, scoring two goals. He will certainly be hoping to help out his new side between now and the winter with the Royals currently sitting fourth in the current Championship standings having won five out of their opening nine games of the campaign.

However, they slumped to a hugely disappointing reverse on Wednesday night with a 3-0 defeat coming at the hands of Sunderland.

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It is of course not the first time that the veteran striker has made an emotional return throughout what has become a journeyman career.

Having started his professional career with Newcastle United, Carroll joined Liverpool midway through the 2010/11 season in a big-money deadline day switch.

However, he flattered to deceive at Anfield and was sold to West Ham United. Six years with the Hammers followed before the striker returned to former club Newcastle on a free transfer where he stayed for two years - scoring just once.

It remains to be seen whether Carroll will be fit enough to make his debut for Reading this weekend. Ince's men take on Wigan Athletic away from home on Saturday afternoon and could potentially move into third place in the current standings.

Throughout his career, the veteran striker had made 248 appearances in the Premier League and scored 54 goals. The 33-year-old has also earned nine appearances for the England national side - finding the net on two occasions against Ghana and Sweden.

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