Andy Carroll's new book 'Owning It' recounts chaotic pranks by former Newcastle United team-mate Nile Ranger, including a mock home invasion and a pre-match toilet fight. The revelations come as Carroll, now playing for Dagenham & Redbridge and serving as assistant manager, reflects on his career at St James' Park.
Balaclava House Invasion
Carroll described how three men in balaclavas stormed his house in Darras Hall, a residential estate, while he was sitting in his living room with friends. The intruders turned the house upside down before escaping through the back door.
Carroll identified them as Ranger, Danny Simpson and Leon Best by their movements. He wrote: "I knew exactly who they were by the way they moved - Nile, Danny and Leon - but if you want to know why they did it, I can't help you. There was no rhyme or reason to any carnage they caused; it's just how they rolled."
Toilet Fight and Revenge
Carroll also detailed a fight between Ranger and Best in the toilets about an hour before kick-off at St James' Park. Ranger arrived in a protective boot due to injury but still challenged Best. Carroll wrote: "They weren't allowed to punch each other in the face or below the belt - these people weren't animals - but Leon still put Nile on the deck."
Carroll sought revenge on Simpson and Ranger but spared Best because he lived with his family. He snuck into Simpson's house while he was watching television with his girlfriend, slamming doors and banging on surfaces. Carroll then went to Ranger's house and egged it before escaping in his Fiat 500.
Police Investigation and Missed Reunion
The next day, the team was called to a meeting and told that police had been in following reports that a gang had been targeting footballers' houses. Carroll wrote: "Apparently, Danny had provided forensic detail, but they never found out it was us - until I wrote this book. Sorry, Danny. Not really .."
Carroll also revealed that Ranger, who has faced multiple legal troubles, recently asked to sign for Dagenham & Redbridge. Carroll said: "Nile is a good guy beneath all that chaos and he really could play, so I always hoped he'd snap out of it. But I just think he was brought up around the wrong people and was unable to change, so all that talent went to waste." He added: "We passed."
