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When Graham Potter, after much media speculation, was finally confirmed as West Ham’s new head coach on a two-and-a-half year contract, the mid-season transfer window had already been open for nine days.

Not unexpectedly for our club, there was immediately frenzied speculation around who the new boss might look to bring in before the window slammed shut again. Frankly many of the names mentioned were never serious contenders, more figments of over-active imaginations.




In reality it transpired Potter had pretty much resigned himself to live with what he already had at his disposal. Including the ‘mistakes’ of the previous Lopetegui and Steidten regime.

January is a notoriously difficult month to do business anyway – whether it be bringing in new faces or moving on those who might be considered surplus to requirements. As Potter admitted at the time: “If we find the right player, we’ll do something, but I have to do the right thing because if we get it wrong, it can have an effect.”

But one player Potter wanted – and he knew he had a good chance of getting, was James Ward-Prowse.

Graham knew the nature of the loan deal which had taken JWP to Nottingham Forest at the start of Lopetegui’s brief reign. Basically a ‘mutual agreement’ between the two clubs. One that could be ended without too much formality. Which is exactly what Potter asked to happen. Consequently Ward-Prowse returned to the London Stadium on transfer deadline day.

Since coming on as a half-time substitute in the 1-0 home defeat to Brentford, JWP has played every minute of the two following fixtures. The stunning 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates and the 2-0 home defeat of Leicester City.




Looking like he’d never been away, James has slotted back into the West Ham midfield with impressive ease and is clearly loving it. “The manager’s style definitely suits me,” he has said. “He’s given me the freedom to go out there, get on the ball and express myself. I’m just enjoying playing my football again. I love being out there.”

Likewise Potter has been impressed with the nature of JWP’s return. “It’s good to have him back with us. He adds his experience and his quality all over the pitch,” said Potter. “He’s a really high level, experienced player who knows the Premier League and understands what you need to do every day to be a top player. So that’s really helpful for us and we’ve all been really impressed with him so far.”

With the rumour mill suggesting Guido Rodriguez would like a return to Spain, plus the club looking unlikely to take up the option to buy Carlos Soler from PSG, not just because of the huge wage he is said to be on, but because he has struggled to find an identity and a role which suits him, both under Potter and Lopetegui before him.

Ward-Prowse, on the other hand, looks to be very much in Potter’s thinking as he sets about building a team in his image.




JWP is clearly a popular figure amongst his team mates in the dressing room, and the fact he was captain of Southampton for a number of years underlines the leadership qualities Potter alluded to and values in his players.

Jarrod Bowen may be our team captain, but a wise head like Ward-Prowse’s can be invaluable both on and off the pitch. Football isn’t always about youth and athleticism – experience and knowhow counts for a great deal as well.

David Moyes paid around £30m for James Ward-Prowse back in 2023. He was a player our previous manager valued highly – and wanted badly. At the time I recall arguing with a West Ham Facebook site holder who insisted the player was just a one-trick-pony – a reference to his dead ball ability.

Ironically I can’t recall a single time when JWP has actually scored direct from a free kick for us. Although I was at Molineux when he scored our winner direct from a corner. But last season he did score seven goals and was credited with seven assists in the Premier League for us. Potter was clearly impressed with those stats and wanted him back in our ranks.

James Ward-Prowse may not have been the transfer window arrival some may have been wishing for – but Graham Potter clearly got the player he wanted to play an important part in the rebuilding programme he was getting under way at West Ham.

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