ANDY CARROLL has shocked and divided Reading fans with a caring, swearing apology for relegation.
The former England striker posted he was "so sorry" for the drop to League One and promised he will be "Working My F***ing A**e Off" to get the "fantastic club" back up.
One angry supporter urged the ex-Newcastle hero to "get your CV updated" and another suggested he stops "playing volleyball".
That's partly because some fans blame Carroll himself for demotion following a red card for handball in a 1-1 draw with Luton last month.
But many fans were moved by the ex-Liverpool targetman speaking so bluntly from the heart and were delighted he's keen to stay.
Carroll, 34, shared snaps of his time at Reading, including with his family, in an emotional Instagram message.
READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL
I retired from Prem footie at 21 – I binged booze and am surprised I’m alive
Football sign-up offer: Get £30 in free bets to use TODAY with Bet UK
He wrote: "The People The Place I Love You All. I’m So So Sorry We Weren’t Enough This Season. I Know I’ll Be Working My F****ing A**e Off This Summer To Get This Fantastic Club Back Up And Beyond. Thank You For Making This Club My Home."
Reading were well placed for a play-off push early in the season after Carroll returned last September on a four-month deal.
But after he signed a contract extension in January to 2024 they fell away, not helped by a six-point penalty in April.
But some fans believe they would have stayed up had Carroll not gone from potential matchwinner to sinner at home to Luton last month.
Most read in Championship
Corrie star Kym Marsh to divorce husband No3 as Strictly curse strikes again
Warning for drivers as new 'AI' speed camera spies INSIDE your car
I won £100k on hit game show… STILL haven't been paid a year later
Meg Ryan makes rare appearance to support close friend Michael J Fox
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
The 6ft 4ins frontman headed the Royals in front but was then sent off for a second yellow card – when handling as he nodded a second "goal".
Promotion hopefuls Luton suddenly burst into life, with Carlton Morris heading a later equaliser.
Now Reading are doomed, five points from safety ahead of the final game.
One fan replied to Carroll's post with: "Sorry to say but genuinely think we get 3 points if you didn’t get red against Luton. You owe it to the fans to grind it out in L1."
Two others referred to his personal record, saying: "This don’t look good on the CV" and "Get your CV updated hey. You all let down ever single fan this season"'
And a fourth anti-Carroll poster wrote: "So this means you’re staying" – following by sad-face emojis.
But there was also plenty of backing for the controversial Tynesider.
One fan said of his apology: "Spoken like a true leader – behind you all the way."
Similar sentiments included: "One player I’ll always defend" and "Believe in you Carroll… get us back up".
More support came with: "Class. We're behind you Andy" and "Please stay".
Read More on The Sun
Eight freebies and discounts you can get on Universal Credit worth thousands
Driver warning – speed camera myths that drivers always get wrong
And in a miserable year for the Royals – at least in the world of football – one even said of his Instagram outpouring: "One of the only highlights of this season!
"I can't help but like the guy. He's been nothing but 100% committed since the day he arrived."
Source: Read Full Article
