Credit: Imago/AC Sparta Praha on X

James Barker

Wed 25 March 2026 9:10, UK

West Ham United sold Andy Irving to Sparta Prague in this season’s winter window, and his strong start for the Czech giants may have some cause for Hammers regret.

Irving became somewhat of an unlikely cult hero during his time with West Ham, as when he first appeared on the teamsheet in the 2024-25 season, many Irons fans didn’t even know they’d signed him.

He was signed on deadline day in the summer transfer window of 2023 from Austrian side SK Austria Klagenfurt, but was immediately sent back there on loan.

Because of that, West Ham didn’t officially announce his signing to the world, and so he became almost a secret arrival that the vast majority of supporters were none the wiser about.

However, he would only end up playing 18 times for West Ham before sealing his permanent transfer to Sparta Prague in January of this year.

How is Andy Irving performing for Sparta Prague?

Irving became a fan favourite at West Ham, as when he was handed the opportunity to perform, his heart, passion and grit endeared him to the London Stadium faithful.

He certainly wasn’t a Rolls Royce midfielder during his Irons outings, but there was undeniably just something about the Scotland international that drew fans and teammates alike to him.

So when it was announced that he would be leaving for Sparta Prague, there was a genuine sadness among supporters, as their mystical midfielder sought pastures and opportunities new on the continent.

And, he’s taking full advantage of the increase in playing time in the Czech capital, as he’s already turned out nine times in all competitions for Sparta, which has also seen him register three assists.

As per Sofascore, Irving is registering an 83 per cent passing accuracy in the opposition half in the Czech first league, is recovering 4.0 balls per game and has made zero errors leading to goals.

He’s also won 59 per cent of his ground duels, made just 0.7 fouls per game, won 1.3 tackles per game and has a long ball accuracy of 73 per cent respectively.

West Ham could use Irving right now in relegation run-in

As aforementioned, one of the big reasons why Irving was as popular as he was at West Ham was because of his battling spirit, and that’s something Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could really do with now.

With seven games to go, the Hammers are staring at a return to the Championship, but in order to avoid that fate, sleeves will need to be rolled up.

Irving was the sort of player you would want in your trench, and with Nuno’s men on the frontline in this relegation battle, seeing him charging in for tackles and scrapping away in midfield would’ve given everyone a lift.

Not only that, but Nuno only has a thin collection of central midfield options at the moment, and outside of Mateus Fernandes and Tomas Soucek, the jury is still out on both Soungoutou Magassa and Freddie Potts respectively in terms of readiness to contribute.

Therefore, whilst he wasn’t the flashiest midfield operator in the world, West Ham could certainly find a place in the team for Irving’s character, spirit and industry right now.