Stuart Pearce can’t believe Jesse Lingard decision to snub West Ham United
Stuart Pearce has been left bemused by former West Ham United midfielder Jesse Lingard’s decision to join Nottingham Forest over a return to the London Stadium.
Lingard enjoyed a fruitful loan spell playing under David Moyes at West Ham and it was thought he’d rejoin the club once his contract at Manchester United came to an end.
Pearce admitted he’d be “desperate to get back” playing under Moyes if he was the England international after his lack of game time at Forest this campaign.
“The teams not won for a number of games and Jesse has sort of found himself on the bench,” said Pearce speaking to TalkSPORT.
“Going back to his time at West Ham, I’ve got to say he come through the door at our place for six months and was magnificent.
“You make your choice as to where you move and where you don’t, I’m still quite astounded, if it was me I’d be desperate to get back (to West Ham) and work for David Moyes again.”
Baffling.
It was a rather baffling decision from Lingard to snub the Hammers for a move to Forest, especially after the great spell he had at the London Stadium.
However, his decision was likely motivated by money and the contract he was being offered by Forest would have been larger than what West Ham United were willing to give.
It’s a shame, but it’s hard to say the Hammers are really missing out on anything right now, Lingard was useful at the time he was signed but would be surplus to requirements now.
If anything he may have added something different coming off the bench, but it’s highly unlikely he would be starting week in, week out in the Premier League for Moyes.
Lingard has made his bed now and he can lie in it, he would have been welcomed with open arms in the summer, nevertheless, he likely chose financial gains instead.