West Ham Star Leaves Potter Perplexed with Stunning Admission About Forest Move

Before the start of the season, many pundits and journalists considered West Ham among the Premier League’s potential European contenders.

 

Some, including Jamie Carragher and Clinton Morrison, even saw them as dark horses for a Champions League spot.

 

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest were widely predicted to struggle in their fight against relegation.

 

However, with just nine games remaining, it is Nuno Espirito Santo’s dynamic Nottingham Forest side that is on course for a Champions League place while also securing a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.

 

Roles Reversed for West Ham and Nottingham Forest

Despite not being dragged into a relegation battle, West Ham have endured a disappointing campaign, sitting in 16th place—far below expectations after their £155 million summer expenditure.

 

Julen Lopetegui paid the price for this underwhelming performance, as he was dismissed and replaced by Graham Potter.

 

Upon his arrival, Potter was undoubtedly perplexed by various aspects of the club’s situation.

 

He even admitted that there were some unpleasant surprises when he got to ‘look under the bonnet’ after taking charge in January.

 

Now, a West Ham player who left Potter baffled has made a surprising statement regarding his move to Nottingham Forest.

 

One of Lopetegui’s most debated transfer decisions last summer has become a major talking point since Potter’s arrival.

 

The new Hammers boss revealed his confusion over Lopetegui’s choice to allow James Ward-Prowse to leave the club for Nottingham Forest on deadline day during the summer transfer window.

 

The decision sparked widespread discussion at both the London Stadium and the City Ground.

 

Nottingham Forest’s interest in Ward-Prowse materialized late in the window, leading to a season-long loan agreement.

 

Despite Ward-Prowse registering 18 goal contributions in his first season, Lopetegui’s decision to let him go has remained divisive among fans and pundits.

 

Ward-Prowse Drops a Shock Admission About His Forest Move

Ward-Prowse was a respected figure and a leadership presence in the West Ham dressing room.

 

However, his impact in open play, along with concerns about his mobility and athleticism, had been questioned since his £30 million arrival at the club.

 

One of Potter’s first actions as manager was to consider terminating Ward-Prowse’s ill-fated loan spell, as the midfielder made only four appearances for Nottingham Forest.

 

His lack of playing time and criticism from sections of the Forest fanbase suggested that Lopetegui’s decision might have been justified after all.

 

Since returning to East London, Ward-Prowse has been reinstated into the West Ham starting lineup, with Potter relying on his set-piece expertise.

 

Given how things unfolded, the 30-year-old could easily have regretted joining Nottingham Forest in the first place.

 

However, Ward-Prowse has now made a surprising revelation about his time there, which will come as a shock to fans of both clubs.

 

According to the midfielder, moving to Nottingham Forest was actually one of the best things to happen in his career.

 

He claims the experience taught him valuable lessons and ultimately reignited his career.

 

‘Forest Move Reignited My Career,’ Says Ward-Prowse

 

“I’m just delighted to be back (playing at West Ham).

 

The first few months of the season (at Nottingham Forest) were a real rollercoaster for me, with some instability, but I think that’s something that happens in a football career,” Ward-Prowse told West Ham’s website.

 

“It’s been a long time since I faced such a challenge, so I see it as a valuable experience.

 

I don’t regret it because, in many ways, it gave me the push I needed to reignite my hunger and prove a point.”

 

This perspective highlights Ward-Prowse’s positive attitude towards what was, by his own admission, a tough period in his career.

 

Since returning to West Ham, the former Southampton captain has demonstrated his usual consistency.

 

However, if truth be told, he hasn’t exactly set the world alight.

 

It remains to be seen whether he has done enough to secure a place in Potter’s long-term plans.

 

According to The Athletic, the club internally recognizes that letting Ward-Prowse join Nottingham Forest was a mistake, which may work in his favor regarding his future at West Ham.