Whilst much of the build-up to West Ham versus Southampton this weekend has centred around Flynn Downes, there is a rather more intriguing narrative involved in this fixture. As Claret & Hugh reported earlier this week, Downes is unlikely to feature for the Saints at the London Stadium, with his absence from Southampton’s training videos adding to those doubts.
However, that brings into focus the return to West Ham of James Ward-Prowse, who, according to Hammers folklore, had a falling-out with Nuno Espírito Santo during their time together at Nottingham Forest. The amusing but unconfirmed story of JWP allegedly referring to Nuno as “baldie” may or may not be true, but it has certainly become part of the folklore surrounding their relationship.
One thing is for certain: after Ward-Prowse was sent packing from Forest back to West Ham with his tail between his legs, neither protagonist probably imagined they would end up working together again. But football has a habit of throwing up interesting stories, and this particular reunion has now come full circle.
If Ward Prowse score a freekick against West Ham, I think I’ll scream.
Ward-Prowse Returns To Face Nuno
When the pair were reunited at the London Stadium, Espírito Santo couldn’t wait to get rid of the player who had allegedly insulted him follicly. Whether that was genuinely the reason or simply a footballing decision is another matter, but Ward-Prowse was clearly not part of Nuno’s plans.
One loan deal and a permanent transfer back to Southampton later, Ward-Prowse finds himself returning to his old stomping ground, with an opportunity to show Nuno why he got it all wrong.
It would be easy to suggest that JWP will simply be replacing Downes in midfield, but the truth is that he is already an established part of Southampton’s team. He has played nine times in the Championship for the Saints this season, scoring once against Wrexham.
West Ham Fans Know What’s Coming
One final thought. West Ham paid between £25 million and £30 million to sign the free-kick specialist from Southampton in 2023, and despite scoring eight league goals for the Hammers, he never managed to score directly from a free-kick.
Now he returns to the London Stadium wearing a Southampton shirt, facing a manager with whom he has a rather complicated history.
So you just know what’s going to happen on Saturday, right?
Pretty pointless article, when their ain’t much going on, maybe better to keep stum, he was useless for us, end of
In later times for us he wasn’t very good, I’ll be glad that he’s playing for Southampton and not for us to be honest.