“Very popular” | Potter highlights bizarre Lopetegui decision | OneFootball

Graham Potter is delighted to have James Ward-Prowse back at West Ham following his loan spell.

The former Southampton captain was shipped off on loan to Nottingham Forest at the beginning of the season, a decision made by Julen Lopetegui who has since been sacked and replaced by Potter.

Ward-Prowse’s loan was mutually terminated by all parties, with Potter highlighting how bizarre the decision to allow the loan was by his predecessor.

“James Ward-Prowse is a top professional,” Potter told the clubs Official Website.

“He’s very popular around the dressing room, around the Club. I think that’s important. He knows how to act, knows how to be. He brings his quality, brings his experience.”

The club have also welcomed Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton, with the Hammers boss confident that he’ll be an asset between now and the end of the season.

“Evan’s slightly different because he’s a younger player but again, I think he’ll fit into the group that we have,” added Potter. “He’s a young player that’s got an eye for goal and a centre forward that wants to enjoy his football.

“So, we’re hopeful that those two can help us, help the group, and we’ll also get some bodies back and then the squad is in a more healthy position and there’s more competition for places. That’s good for us.”