James Ward-Prowse has suggested that Nuno Espirito Santo’s treatment of him at West Ham has backfired and will ultimately benefit relegation rivals Burnley.
In one of the least surprising transfers of the January window, James Ward-Prowse has left West Ham.
While the move itself will shock nobody, the destination has raised some eyebrows – a loan to relegation rivals Burnley for the rest of the season.
The decision for the Hammers to allow Ward-Prowse to join Burnley – a direct rival in what looks a three-way, or four at best, battle to avoid being two of the teams joining Wolves in the Championship – represents a clear and obvious risk.
Leaving West Ham was always inevitable when the club changed managers for the fourth time in 18 months, though.
Ward-Prowse was done at West Ham the moment Nuno arrived
Ward-Prowse knew his days with West Ham were numbered as soon as Nuno Espirito Santo walked through the door in September.
The former England midfielder will now be looking to help three-time Hammer of the Year Scott Parker try to keep Burnley in the Premier League, with the obvious outside chance that could be at the expense of the Irons.
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But there are some cons….
It brings an end to a dismal time of it for Ward-Prowse in east London under Nuno and a wild contrast from being one of the first names on the teamsheet under Graham Potter.
Making Ward-Prowse a key starter after he was bombed out of Forest by Nuno was a big reason Potter lost the faith of fans.
On the flip side, many have found Nuno’s decision to completely freeze Ward-Prowse out of the first-team squad strange.
The mystery of the bust-up between Nuno and Ward-Prowse was finally solved recently.
Nuno surprised many with just how brutal he was by ostracising Ward-Prowse until, ironically, West Ham’s win over Sunderland at the weekend, when he was an unused sub due to the departures of Andy Irving, Guido Rodriguez and impending exit of Lucas Paqueta.
Now with Burnley for the remainder of the campaign, those feeling Ward-Prowse could have a point to prove, to the detriment of the Hammers, have been proven correct.
Because Ward-Prowse says Nuno’s actions at West Ham have backfired and will benefit Burnley.
Ward-Prowse says Nuno’s actions have backfired and will benefit Burnley
In comments that will raise eyebrows at the London Stadium, the remarks point to potentially damning consequences stemming from Nuno’s actions that could have longer-term implications beyond West Ham’s immediate concerns.
Besides the impressive figures he posted in his debut campaign with the Hammers, where he registered 18 goals and assists in all competitions, Ward-Prowse has struggled to impact top level games in open play.
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So West Ham fans concerned that he could have a Jesse Lingard-esque impact for Burnley may be worrying over nothing.
Although when speaking about his dark time in east London since Nuno’s arrival, Ward-Prowse has revealed it has not only made him stronger but has helped reignite his love for the game and provided him with the motivation needed to help Burnley stay up.
“There’s a big battle between now and the end of the season, but I’m going to relish every moment,” Ward-Prowse told Burnley’s official website.
“I just want to get out there, pull on the Burnley shirt and give my all for the challenge that’s ahead…
“It’s clear what needs to be achieved and hopefully I can play a good part in that. I was really impressed with how Scott Parker came across, how he delivered the messages about the objectives, which I think is clear for everybody to see…
Nuno treatment has reignited Ward-Prowse’s passion
“I certainly feel as though I have the quality and experience to hopefully help the group in the best way possible, and to achieve the goal of staying in the Premier League.
“I’ve been used to throughout my career playing consistently and playing a lot. So, to have had a bit of a period away from the game if you like was disappointing and challenging in many ways.
“But I think it gave me a chance to reflect on myself and to work on a few things. It’s almost made my love for the game grow even more. I’m eager to get back playing and hopefully help the team in the best way possible.”
On his arrival at Turf Moor, Ward-Prowse and an ex West Ham favourite have starred in the most iconic announcement videos ever.
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