‘I was shocked…’ – Jeff Stelling reacts to Ward-Prowse news at West Ham today

Stelling revealed he was “shocked” when the Irons initially approved Ward-Prowse’s loan move to the City Ground late in the 2024 summer transfer window in an interview with talkSPORT on February 3, 6:53 a.m.

However, the two clubs decided to end Ward-Prowse’s season-long loan early, and he is returning to East London after making just nine Premier League appearances for Forest [David Ornstein, 2 February].

“I’m really happy for West Ham fans about James Ward-Prowse – I was surprised when they let him go out to Nottingham Forest,” Stelling stated.He hasn’t played there much, but I know that’s because Forest is playing so well.

Returning to improve West Ham’s fortunes is James Ward-Prowse.

One of Julen Lopetegui’s numerous errors was sending Ward-Prowse out on loan last summer, to a team that was predicted to contend with the Irons in the Premier League this season.Instead, despite Ward-Prowse’s lack of playing time and the Hammers’ own mid-table mediocrity, Forest surprised everyone by establishing themselves as possible title contenders.

Lopetegui’s style of play revealed a midfield that was unprepared for the Premier League’s pace and caliber, and it also made his struggling team more dependent on set pieces for goals.

Thus, it appears to be a perplexing choice to voluntarily let go of a player who is significantly more mobile than players like Edson Alvarez or Guido Rodriguez and who can score goals from free kicks and corners.

Since taking Lopetegui’s place at the London Stadium, Graham Potter has also relied on Tomas Soucek and other set-piece players, so the new Irons manager can appreciate Ward-Prowse’s recall.

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