West Ham United have lost one of their most iconic strikers to injuries, but Andy Carroll still cherishes the friendships he made during seven seasons at Upton Park.

The former England international, now playing for sixth-tier Dagenham & Redbridge, revealed in an Instagram Q&A on Wednesday that Kevin Nolan was his closest mate at West Ham. “I don’t think this answer will surprise anyone,” Carroll said. “Kev[Nolan] was my best mate at West Ham.”

Carroll’s Hammers career was plagued by injuries, yet he still managed to play more games for West Ham than any other club. His final season at the Boleyn Ground saw him net a hat-trick against Arsenal, and the following campaign he scored one of the best goals in Premier League history against Crystal Palace.

Who did Andy Carroll call his best mate at West Ham?

The bond between Carroll and Nolan dates back to their Newcastle days, where the pair struck up a lethal partnership in the 2009/10 Championship. Together, they fired 17 goals each as Newcastle won the second-tier title. When Carroll joined West Ham on loan in 2012, Nolan was already a year into his Hammers career, having helped the club secure promotion via the play-offs in 2011/12.

“We spent a lot of time on and off the pitch at Newcastle,” Carroll explained. “He was probably the reason why I ended up signing there.”

While Nolan was his closest ally, Carroll insisted he had strong relationships with others at Upton Park. “That doesn’t mean I didn’t have a lot of good friends at West Ham,” he added. “Joey O’Brien, Winston Reid, Aaron Cresswell, Robert Snodgrass, James Collins - and obviously Mr West Ham, Mark Noble.”

Why Carroll’s West Ham memories still matter

Nolan’s move to West Ham in 2011 for around £4 million was a major coup for the Championship side. The then-28-year-old had just bagged 12 Premier League goals for Newcastle and was handed the captain’s armband under Sam Allardyce. He scored 12 times and set up six more in his first season, including a crucial play-off semi-final strike.

Carroll’s own West Ham tenure peaked in his final campaign at the Boleyn Ground, where his hat-trick against Arsenal and iconic goal against Crystal Palace became instant fan favourites. Despite the injuries, his impact at the club remains vivid in supporters’ memories.

Where are they now?

Nolan’s playing career wound down after 14 appearances for Leyton Orient, while Carroll now co-owns Dagenham & Redbridge alongside internet personality KSI. Last season, the 37-year-old managed six goals in 12 National League South outings.

West Ham, meanwhile, are preparing for a tough Premier League fight. As of today, they sit 18th in the table with 39 points from 38 games, four points clear of the relegation zone but 46 adrift of leaders Arsenal.

What’s your favourite Andy Carroll memory at West Ham? Share your thoughts in the comments below.