The Prodigal Son Returns
Friday, 28th Aug 2026 13:37

He left Saints 3 years ago, but now he is back as the club announce that James Ward Prowse is once again back at St Mary's after time at West Ham, Nottingham Forest & Burnley.

It's been in the news for days, so I can't imagine anyone is surprised but Saints have confirmed that James Ward Prowse has returned home.

Now back on the south coast, Ward-Prowse said:

“It feels a bit surreal. The last couple of days have been pretty intense, but I’m delighted to be back, and to be wearing the red and white again is truly special.

“It’s the place I call home, obviously having come through the Academy since I was eight. It was an incredible journey up until the point that I left, but home is a special place and I always had it in the back of my mind that it was somewhere that I wanted to be. I’m here today very excited and looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Group Sporting Director Johannes Spors added: “James has an incredible history and connection with this football club and needs no introduction.

“He will add huge value both on and off the pitch and we’re delighted to have been able to bring him home.”

All Photos Via Reuters

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saint_ben added 13:49 - Aug 28

I know a lot of people will probably hate on me for this but people need to understand this isnt the JWP that left us 3 years ago, and to be honest I thought he was poor in his final season for the saints. If this is a squad signing then ok, its good business but if he is to be the person to replce Charles then Spors is having an absolute laugh. Bring in a decent midfielder and that makes this signing better business

highfield49 added 13:53 - Aug 28

I'm not sure that Johannes Spors is in tune with a number of supporters, but it is what it is.
Personally, I've got mixed feelings because I can't see how JWP is going to slot into the current midfield set up. That said, if he can do a job, welcome back.
I sense that there are still a few loans and transfers in the pipeline so I'm happy to await the full picture to pan out.

WestSussexSaint added 13:54 - Aug 28 Can we just sub him on for corners and free kicks?
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saint_ben added 14:00 - Aug 28 It does annoy me with all the fan fair on sicial media and the presentation the club has made with Le God as if JWP coming back is some sort of marquee signing. Well it isnt!
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ReturnOfThe added 14:57 - Aug 28 Previous experiences with resigning former “legends” hasn’t exactly paid dividends and unfortunately I can’t see this being much different. I thought we had moved on from sentimental signings, but apparently not.
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saintmark1976 added 15:33 - Aug 28

Having seen and listened to his comments on Saintsfc he didn’t give me the impression that he is coming back to make the tea.

I suspect that he is Charles’s replacement and will very soon feature as a regular in the side.

If so, it’s good business for Sports Republic, £30 million in and a nominal fee to West Ham out.

Good business for us fans ? Only time will tell I suppose.

WanderingSaint added 16:43 - Aug 28 Looks like i'm the only person happy with this one. Premier League quality. Hope i'm proved right...
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ItchenNorth added 16:55 - Aug 28 From what I gauge online, the vast majority of Saints fans are happy to see JWP back. It must just be this site that has the contankerious old bastards moaning.
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Dizzie85 added 18:42 - Aug 28

What a bunch of moaners you lot are! People forget that Prowse scored 7 goals and 11 assists in 1st season at West Ham before being treated like a dog! He is the utmost professional who is literally better quality then any midfielder we have. He literally carried the team for 2 seasons and his last season in the prem was surrounded by inferior players and was changed position about 3 times! Best player we have in the squad and he will prove it. 31 years in his prime. I bet half of you moaning never actually go to St Mary's!

Dizzie85 added 18:42 - Aug 28

bstokesaint added 21:25 - Aug 28 Totally agree with the minority on here. Quality player and his experience will be massive addition. He’s 31 not 41 and he was banging on an England place when Southgate was in charge. Midfield isn’t what’s worrying me. It’s defence. Guess to one signing in central defence but if THB goes I don’t have much faith in JS.
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allsaint54 added 22:30 - Aug 28 That's the end of our season before it starts
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saint_ben added 22:41 - Aug 28

Imagine accusing people of not going to games while describing Prowse like he’s prime Zidane Dizzie85. I’m at every home game and I’ll be at the game tomorrow. His last season for us was shocking, and blaming that on ‘inferior players’ is just passing the buck. The man’s passing is like a game of snakes and ladders with no ladders. Sideways, backwards, repeat. Yes the set pieces are amazing or used to be but it’s the other 85 minutes we moan about. All I will say is enjoy him while you can, because like every ex-player who’s come back for round two he won’t see much game time. He’ll be second choice to Yander, 100 percent. Hope I’m wrong. I’m not the deluded one here though mate.

Colburn added 23:43 - Aug 28

I just don’t understand it, we bring in a heap for Charles and should be replacing him with someone who has a future playing in the Premier League, clearly Ward Prowse hasn’t and he couldn’t get a game at another relegated side. He hasn’t been treated like a dog, he’s just not got the attributes you need for the game now in the top 2 divisions and he’s lost his only weapon with no free kicks scored since he left. It’s a grift, I’m fuming but unsurprised by another stupid decision by a poorly run club by people with little footballing nous. God knows what money we’re throwing away on wages for him. Very unhappy about this, we need youth and energy not passive trotters

bstokesaint added 01:52 - Aug 29

I don’t think a midfield 4 of Downes, Jander, Prowse and Bragg is going to be bettered by many clubs in this division. Obviously that picture changes quite radically if Jander doesn’t come back into the fray soon. Obviously finding £30m+ replacements in the making is nice, but guessing not that easy and especially this late in the window. I think we got lucky with Charles. It’s not often you get that kind of money for a player rarely starting. Hopefully Bragg will be our next big thing. Competing with the other 3 can only be healthy.

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saint_ben added 09:01 - Aug 29 Bstokesaint, I think West Ham, Wolves and Burnley just for starters would have something to say about that comment 😂 I don’t know how true it is but signing ✍️ Josh brownhill we definitely put our midfield up there with the best of them in the league
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Dizzie85 added 11:11 - Aug 29 Saints Ben the fan at st Mary's who maons when we win! Henderson still playing the highest level at 36. Ask most West Hams fans and they liked Prowse. Remember in his first season he Scored 7 goals and 11 assists!
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SaintPaulVW added 12:59 - Aug 29 Not his greatest fan but this is a good signing. Really professional player, adds a bit of bite to midfield and will help bring Bragg along. If he can get back to scoring free kicks that will be an added bonus and help unsettle the bus parking that happens a lot in EFL games.
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onetowatch added 12:59 - Aug 29

Saint Ben well said, sorry Dizzie, you're clueless. In his last season with Saints he showed he was the easiest CM player in the Prem to play against. Yes, a luxury to have for free kicks etc, but it takes a bit more than that, even in he Championship, which is even more physical - and yes, I am a season tkt holder. A backward step, a bad move, and won't go anywhere close to replacing SC. Just a cheap option.