It has been a challenging season for West Ham, and for Hammers midfielder James Ward Prowse. The 30 year old was pleased to end the campaign with his first goal of the season away against Ipswich.

The former Southampton man had a positive debut season in East London, Ward Prowse contributed to 18 goals in all competitions, scoring seven and registering 11 assists. Many fans were surprised to see the midfielder sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest last summer.

It was a challenging time at Forest for Ward Prowse. With game time limited, he made just ten appearances for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side before returning to West Ham at the end of the January transfer window. Since returning to the Club, the midfielder has been a regular starter under Graham Potter.

Graham Potter’s side ended their campaign with a trip away to face Ipswich. The Hammers finished the season on a positive note with a 3-1 win. Ward Prowse scored the Hammers first of the afternoon, finishing from close range after West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen laid the ball into his path. Speaking after the game, Ward Prowse was delighted to end the season with a goal.

“It’s nice to get the goal. It’s been a bit of an up and down season, with a lot of challenges in many ways. So, to finish with a goal is really nice.” said Ward Prowse, as reported by the clubs Official Website.

The former Southampton captain continued: “It was important today that we put in the right performance, and helped the guys leaving go away happy, as well as the supporters who have followed us brilliantly all season.”

The Hammers midfielder added: “We wanted to go away with something, and now I think we can go away and enjoy the summer, before coming back ready for next year.”

West Ham end the 24/25 season 14th in the Premier League. As ever with West Ham, it promises to be an interesting summer, with a major squad overhaul expected.

There is a definite need to bring the average age of the squad down. Whilst adding young, exciting players will be a priority, it is equally important to keep a balance in regards to age and experience within the playing squad.

The Hammers are set to lose Vladimir Coufal, Lukasz Fabianski and Aaron Cresswell, all of whom will be massive losses not only because of their experience but because of their understanding of the Club and what it means to represent West Ham.

With much of the squad said to be available for the right price, keeping a hold of players such as James Ward Prowse will be important. The former Saints man may not be every fans cup of tea, but his years of top flight experience, combined with his leadership qualities having previously captained his boyhood club are valuable assets for a squad that will be in transition.

Next season will see a West Ham squad in transition and trying to find its feet, therefore a player like Ward Prowse can help guide younger players making the step up to the first team or new players coming through the door.