Jeff Stelling reacts to James Ward-Prowse shock developments at West Ham
West Ham United fans will be “really pleased” that James Ward-Prowse is returning from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, Jeff Stelling has said.
Speaking on talkSPORT (3 February, 6:53am), Stelling said he’d been “shocked” when the Irons first sanctioned Ward-Prowse’s loan move to the City Ground late in the 2024 summer transfer window.
After making just nine Premier League appearances for Forest though, Ward-Prowse is on his way back to East London after the two clubs agreed to terminate his season-long loan early [David Ornstein, 2 February].
Stelling said: “I’m really pleased for West Ham fans about James Ward-Prowse – I was shocked when they allowed him to go out to Nottingham Forest.
“I know he hasn’t played too much there, but that’s because Forest are doing so well.”
James Ward-Prowse return to boost West Ham fortunes
The decision to send Ward-Prowse out on loan last summer – and to a side expected to challenge the Irons in the Premier League this term – proved to be one of many mistakes on Julen Lopetegui’s part.
Forest instead took everyone by surprise by establishing themselves as potential title challengers despite Ward-Prowse not getting many minutes, with the Hammers mired in mid-table mediocrity themselves.
Lopetegui’s style of play exposed a midfield ill-equipped for the pace and quality of the Premier League, while also being increasingly reliant on set-pieces as a source of goals for his misfiring side.
Therefore, willingly getting rid of a player far more mobile than the likes of Guido Rodriguez or Edson Alvarez, and who can put the ball on a sixpence from corners and free-kicks, looks a baffling decision.
Graham Potter has also been reliant on Tomas Soucek and others from set-pieces since replacing Lopetegui at the London Stadium, making Ward-Prowse’s recall understandable for the new Irons boss.
In other West Ham news, a rival Premier League club’s owner has made it his “personal mission” to beat the Irons to a new signing.
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