The reaction from many a West Ham United supporter, when their £30 million man reached a Premier League milestone at Old Trafford, spoke volumes about how he is regarded on the London Stadium terraces.
And, considering that The Hammers have long been criticised for stumping up eye-watering fees for footballers either approaching 30 or past 30, James Ward-Prowse has come to represent a continuation of those same old failings in the eyes of some.
A 30-year-old midfielder probably past his prime.
A 30-year-old midfielder who, should West Ham United decide to cut him loose over the summer, will see the capital city outfit recoup only a fraction of their ill-advised investment.
So, while James Ward-Prowse basks in the achievement of having made 400 appearances in England’s top flight, the overarching feeling amongst the West Ham faithful is that the former Southampton captain has probably run his course in claret and blue.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
James Ward-Prowse opens up on poor West Ham United season
Ward-Prowse is self-aware enough to realise this has been a ‘disappointing’ Premier League campaign.
Having started only five games on loan at Nottingham Forest in the first half of 2024/25 – very much a passenger on Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League-chasing journey – the appointment of Graham Potter handed Ward-Prowse an opportunity to salvage his Hammers career.
An opportunity the experienced playmaker appears to have let slip through his grasp, the man himself accepting he has fallen short of the standards he once set on the South Coast.
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“It’s not been the best season for me personally,” Ward-Prowse tells the official West Ham website, albeit his disappointment offset to an extent by joining the top-flight’s ‘400 club’.
“One big positive has been making my 400th Premier League appearance. It’s something my family have been big on in particular, and they let me know about it in the lead-up to the Brighton game.
“It’s a really special milestone, because you start out as a kid just wanting to make your Premier League debut, to score a Premier League goal and things like that.
“So, to be sat here now having made 400 appearances in the division makes all the sacrifices, the work and the dedication over the years feel like it’s all been worth it. It’s a special achievement, and I’ve already got my eyes on 500, now!”
Ward-Prowse is still chasing David Beckham’s Premier League record
Whether Ward-Prowse reaches a half-century or not, his pursuit of 500 Premier League appearances is likely to take place away from the London Stadium.
Potter has labelled Ward-Prowse ‘fantastic’ since his ahead-of-schedule return from the City Ground. Yet, having already confirmed the departures of Danny Ings, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Aaron Cresswell, the 11-time England international is yet another ageing, high-earning player for whom the time feels right for a fresh start.
Especially with a London Stadium source telling Hammers News that West Ham plan to ‘reinvent’ Graham Potter’s squad. Building those new foundations upon a core of exciting young talent.
What’s more, with Ward-Prowse’s influence in open play leaving a lot to be desired, his declining threat from set-piece situations has many a supporter wondering just what it is he is brings to the table.
Ward-Prowse has not scored a single free-kick since joining West Ham back in 2023.
“I’ve had lots of Premier League highlights during my time here at West Ham,” adds Ward-Prowse, his stand-out moment probably his winning goal in a 2-1 London derby triumph away to Tottenham Hotspur.
“The goal in the win at Tottenham last season sticks out as a highlight. To score the winner in a derby like that was special.
“This year, it’s not been the season I or the Club wanted, and I’m still waiting for that free-kick goal to get the record [and equal David Beckham’s tally of 18].
“But the win at Manchester United last weekend was special, and one for the fans who have supported us through thick and thin. We just want to finish the season off in style for them now, starting against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.”