Andy Carroll bailed to stay with Kevin Nolan after assault charge

Newcastle United are standing by Andy Carroll after their England Under-21 striker appeared in court today charged with assaulting an ex-girlfriend. Although the club – who suffered a major blow today when Colin Calderwood, the influential assistant manager, took charge of Hibs – declined to comment publicly on the matter, privately Newcastle have no intention of transfer‑listing Carroll, who has been bailed to live with Kevin Nolan, his club captain. Only a fortnight ago the 21-year-old, whose aerial ability and left‑footed shooting prowess are much admired by several Premier League managers, signed a new five‑year contract at St James' Park and it is understood he remains an integral part of Chris Hughton's squad. The case was adjourned until 10 January when Carroll will deny the offence and claim self‑defence. He was charged with assaulting Laurie Henderson at her home in Ponteland, Northumberland, sometime after 4.30am yesterday. Police were called to the scene after Henderson sustained a minor head injury. After being held in custody at Hexham police station, Carroll appeared at Tynedale magistrates' court in Hexham, Northumberland, this morning. Following an hour‑long hearing the centre‑forward, wearing jeans and a dark hooded top, was granted conditional bail to live with Nolan at the midfielder's family home, also in Ponteland but a 15‑minute walk from the complainant's address. In the past the Gateshead‑born forward has said he regards Nolan as a mentor and regularly turns to Newcastle's captain for advice. Magistrates agreed that Carroll, the father of a one-year-old daughter who gave his address as Newcastle's Jesmond Dene Hotel, does not have to stay overnight at Nolan's home on evenings when Newcastle United are playing matches but told the striker he must not have contact with any prosecution witnesses. Carroll has scored four goals for Newcastle this season, and was said to be in contention for a senior England call‑up ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro last week following his good form. Ultimately, however, the striker was overlooked by the national manager, Fabio Capello.