Thank you Andy Carroll

For scoring the winner yesterday and putting us within reach of Europe for the first time in five years.

However, contrary to what some people seem to be saying, the goal yesterday was one for himself and not for us. I don't mind that at all as it's done us a favour, but the very notion that us qualifying for Europe was in the mind of the Liverpool number nine is, to be frank, utter pony.

Lest we not forget that team continuity and progression wasn't exactly in the mind of Carroll back in January 2011 when he hopped on Mike Ashley's chopper and turned up at Melwood grinning from ear to ear, so why would that suddenly change?

However it is ironic that the moment he walked out on us/left us/was pushed out (delete as appropriate, although I'll never buy the pushed out theory) our fortunes improved as a football club. Suddenly we had a vast swathe of cash, and look what it has done for us.

At this moment in time it would appear that the decision to sell Andy Carroll or £35m has worked out a treat. It didn't feel like it at the time as questions arose over Derek Llambias' assertion that the money would be spent on the team, but just 13 months later the time for questioning is over and the results are in.

Right now we have a team with quality that I've not seen in a long time at St James' Park. Yes there is still work to do and we can still improve, like any team, but to go from Championship to Europe in two seasons is pretty staggering by any stretch of the imagination.

So thank you Andy Carroll,not just for the goal yesterday that made us odds on favourites to play in Europe once more, but for also providing a legacy that has allowed our team to grow at a pace that has exasperated even the most positive NUFC fan.

P.S - If articles are a bit thin on the ground over the next day or so, it's because I'm in hospital my wife as she gives birth to my child. If there is any news I'll let you all know in due course.

Have a great day!