Ex-West Ham manager Graham Potter applauding and James Ward-Prowse in the circle
Credit: Imago
Henry Green
Thu 2 October 2025 20:10, UK
James Ward-Prowse made the headlines when he was left out for West Ham against Everton.
Nuno Espirito Santo held talks with Ward-Prowse before the game against the Toffees, and he stayed at home in East London.
Given the Hammers’ shortage of midfielders, the news came as a shock, with Freddie Potts the only central midfielder on the bench in the 1-1 draw.
West Ham are open to offers for Ward-Prowse in the January transfer window, which comes as a shock following Graham Potter’s comments on the midfielder.
Nuno Espirito Santo applauds West Ham fans with smile after draw vs Everton
Credit: Imago
Graham Potter praised ‘fantastic’ James Ward-Prowse just days ago
Potter was sacked over the phone on his way into Rush Green and was replaced by Nuno just hours later.
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Many felt the dismissal was done disrespectfully by David Sullivan and co, with multiple candidates reportedly interviewed before Potter’s dismissal.
The 50-year-old was also made to do the pre-match press conference for the game against the Toffees, before being sacked just one day later.
Potter repeatedly selected Ward-Prowse in West Ham’s opening fixtures this season and came under fire from fans for his lineups.
Speaking to Sky Sports just one day before he was sacked on 26 September, the former Chelsea boss defended the decision to play the midfielder.
“He brings a lot of experience. He’s got an understanding of the game. He’s an experienced player with different attributes,” Potter said.
“He helps us in and out of possession and also with the group in terms of being a leader and a person that is well respected. … I think he plays a fantastic role for us.”
Where did it go wrong for James Ward-Prowse at West Ham?
Ward-Prowse came to West Ham with high expectations for himself and David Moyes’s side.
The 30-year-old was one of the only bright sparks in the relegated Southampton side during the 2022-23 campaign before moving to the London Stadium.
Ward-Prowse was sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest in the first half of the 2024-25 campaign
The midfielder had scored 17 goals from free kicks for the Saints before joining the Hammers
However, the midfielder joined a West Ham side that began to drift off in his first campaign, and walking into a new, unstable environment seemed to damage his ability.
Under Julen Lopetegui, Ward-Prowse lost his place in the side and was shipped off on loan, which will have damaged his confidence.
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