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Nuno Espirito Santo’s first two games – one a creditable away point at Everton and the other a not unexpected defeat against table-topping Arsenal - both came without our new Head Coach having the option of using the services of Tomas Soucek in his squad.

Tomas, as you will recall was handed a three-match ban after being sent off in Graham Potter’s last game in charge against Tottenham. It’s still early days in Espirito Santo’s tenure, but it’s already pretty clear he has decided he can do without the services of James Ward-Prowse in his midfield.




And although the Portuguese has been diplomatic when questioned on JWP’s possible future at the club, saying he will pick squads and teams based on the opposition, the writing for the former Southampton man is surely on the wall.

But we’ve yet to detect any clues on Tomas’ future under the new boss. As we all know David Moyes was open to taking Soucek to the Hill Dickinson Stadium during the summer transfer window, but Graham Potter was reluctant to lose him.

Soucek himself made it pretty much clear at the time he wanted to stay at West Ham and play his part in reviving our fading fortunes. But has the picture changed for big Tom under the new regime?

Nuno’s philosophy appears to be built on solid defence and quick breaks – utilising the energy and younger legs of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa in the middle of the park. Tomas might not have the legs to do the job those two have been tasked with, but he has qualities of his own that could come in very useful.

Defensively, particularly because of his height and heading ability, he is a useful tool to have at set pieces in our own box – and my goodness have we shown ourselves to be in desperate need of that at times this season.

Likewise in the opposition box, Soucek has always shown himself to be a serious goal threat. With Niclas Fullkrug now sidelined (again), the goals need to come from somewhere.




At Forest, Nuno forged a true bond with his players – a mutual respect which worked both ways. That’s the way he likes to operate. Play as a team, perform as a group. That includes everyone – those playing regularly and those waiting on the sideline waiting for the call to action.

Tomas has always been a tremendous team player, extremely popular amongst his team mates and all who come in contact with him. It may be he doesn’t start games as regularly as he did under Potter – but he could become a very useful and effective super-sub when required. With Fernandes and Magassa to do his running, Tomas could easily slip into a more holding role in front of the back four when required.

Speculation continues to swirl around the prospect Lucas Paqueta might leave in the January window. To be brutally honest, Lucas hasn’t exactly impressed so far this season and Nuno isn’t the kind of manager to guarantee anyone a first team spot, no matter how big their name might be, if they’re not contributing and performing to the way he demands.

No-one is suggesting Soucek could fill that role, but he is an option to filling the hole Paqueta’s departure would leave.

Tomas has been away playing for his native Czech Republic during the international break, so despite his enforced absence from Premier League action he will certainly be match fit and match ready.

Nuno’s team and wider squad for the first home game of his tenure against Brentford on Monday 20 October will be very interesting indeed and could provide further clues on who he wants in the trenches alongside him, as the battle for points and league position resumes.

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