West Ham and Nottingham Forest both announced signings on deadline day but there is a stark contrast in the feeling among fans.
West Ham went into the winter window looking to do deals for a striker and a midfielder.
As far as the Hammers’ under fire owners are concerned, it was mission accomplished – thanks to Nottingham Forest.
West Ham signed Evan Ferguson from Brighton amid competition from a host of clubs, including Nottingham Forest according to reports.
In the end, though, Ferguson’s existing relationship with Graham Potter – and the fact the striker would be back-up to Chris Wood – likely saw the Hammers win the race.
The Hammers and Tricky Trees were among the busiest clubs in the summer.
On on deadline day in the summer window there was even a deal between the two clubs themselves.
It had been on the cards for some months that James Ward-Prowse could leave West Ham following the arrival of Julen Lopetegui.
Interest from Nottingham Forest came late and a season-long loan was agreed.
After 18 goal contributions last season, West Ham’s decision to let Ward-Prowse leave for Forest divided opinion among some Hammers fans and observers.
But with Carlos Soler and Guido Rodriguez being signed to add to Lucas Paqueta, Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez, it was clear Ward-Prowse was not going to play much.
West Ham’s brazen Ward-Prowse announcement after Forest flop
Not least because, besides set-pieces, Ward-Prowse had seen his contribution in open play and athleticism questioned since joining West Ham.
The move proved disastrous for Ward-Prowse and West Ham have been absolutely dismal while Forest are competing for a Champions League place.
The midfielder made just six starts under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Ward-Prowse’s performances were heavily criticised by Forest fans.
Things have been so bad, Ward-Prowse was left out of Forest’s squad altogether for the 7-0 win over Brighton at the weekend.
In a surprise twist, Ward-Prowse’s loan move was terminated mutually by the Hammers and Forest on deadline day.
But fans won’t believe West Ham’s brazen Ward-Prowse announcement after Nottingham Forest flop.
There was no recall option on the loan – meaning Forest will be saving on his wages and a portion of the loan fee owed to West Ham.
The biggest problem at West Ham since Declan Rice’s departure has been how slow and immobile the midfield has been.
It is sorely lacking in any dynamism or athleticism, hindering what Potter can do with the team until it is addressed.
West Ham shamelessly dress Ward-Prowse up as new signing
West Ham were heavily linked with powerful young Dutch midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi and Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka among others in the window.
It was reported on several occasions that a deal was on the verge of being done for Banzuzi.
West Ham did not sign either of course.
It shows just how bad West Ham have been this season that many fans have been celebrating the return of a slow, immobile 30-year-old midfielder to improve their slow, immobile midfield.
Ward-Prowse is undoubtedly a fantastic pro. He is well-liked around the club and brings leadership qualities the squad is clearly sorely lacking.
The fact he has been recalled suggests West Ham should never have shipped him out in the first place.
And his set-pieces may well come in useful – although Forest are doing pretty well without them.
But the way West Ham announced his return really is a bit shameless.
“The 30-year-old England international registered seven goals and eleven assists for West Ham last season and will add experience, depth and quality to Head Coach Graham Potter’s squad for the second half of the campaign,” West Ham said in the announcement, as if the club had pulled off a shrewd bit of business.
Hammers put sticky plaster on gaping wound
It’s not Ward-Prowse’s fault of course, but after failing to show real ambition in the window, West Ham have dressed him up as being like a new signing.
West Ham went from the exciting prospect of Banzuzi or a player of that profile to the cheap option of bringing back Ward-Prowse.
Then have the nerve to trumpet the move like it was all part of some grand plan.
And West Ham wonder why their supporters get so agitated?
It remains to be seen whether Ward-Prowse has a long-term future at the club.
It is clear he has been pretty poorly treated by the club, particularly Tim Steidten and Lopetegui.
Potter will no doubt make better use of him.
But sticky plaster on a gaping wound comes to mind.
And it should not distract from the very clear necessity for West Ham to go out and sign the young, powerful and pacy box-to-box midfielder that’s really needed when the summer window rolls around.
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