RETURNING Saints hero James Ward-Prowse says he is physically and mentally ready to make an immediate impact at St Mary's this week.
The 31 year old could go straight into the squad for Saturday's clash with Championship leaders Millwall, after signing a two-year deal on Friday.
Ward-Prowse returns to Saints after initially departing in a £30million deal to West Ham three years ago, when he was the club captain and star man.
He was the Southern Daily Echo Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022, and he provided nine goals and four assists despite relegation in his final term.
Ward-Prowse was not part of the future plans at the Hammers, but he had a full pre-season and has already played 45 minutes of league football.
"I have been controlling what I can, and that's to be prepared physically and mentally to come in and do the job required," insisted Ward-Prowse.
Enjoyable day at work so far. 😇 #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/XD79grPwng
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) August 28, 2026
"I've been waiting to play, to be part of a club and to feel that love and that want from the fans. I'm looking forward to stepping out there again.
"Even when I left, there was probably that narrative building that, 'Oh, he'll return one day', and football is a funny game and works in weird ways.
"When things go the way they do, and opportunities arise, coming back here was not somewhere that you have to second-guess about.
"There are different offers there, but nothing compared to the option to come back here and to help this club get back into the Premier League."
Ward-Prowse made a positive first impression at London Stadium, playing 37 Premier League games with a combined total of 14 goals and assists.
But his last two seasons have been stop-start, making a combined 42 top-flight appearances across West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Burnley.
"Football is a game of opinions, and I think with changes of managers and changes of directors of football and things like that, those opinions differ.
"My first year was brilliant. We finished ninth and got to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. In my eyes, I'd done enough to retain my place.
"Opinions change, football happens, and you find yourself in a difficult spot where you had all of that comfort and that positivity at a club previously.
"I'd been at Southampton for years, and then all of a sudden it disappeared, and you're faced with a daily challenge of trying to edge your way back in.
"But you have a decision to make. You either get washed up by that negativity and fade away, or you fight back and show people what you're about.
"I've been really proud of how I've dealt with those challenges. It's not been easy, but I'm here now, looking forward to representing Southampton again."
He was initially dropped from the squad by Nuno Espírito Santo at Forest, and his loan was terminated in January 2025 by West Ham's Graham Potter.
But then when Nuno became the new boss at West Ham just nine months later, he immediately banished Ward-Prowse from his squad altogether.
"Yeah, I mean, it wasn't ideal. It's a difficult spot to be in," said Ward-Prowse.
"But that's football, and again, you're put in a difficult situation, so you have the daily you have the battle of how do you deal with this situation?
"I've been very strong in my beliefs about who I am as a player and as a person, regardless of whether my Nan was the manager or it's Nuno.
"It doesn't matter; it's about what I can do to help the team. I've got immense pride in how I handled it and come away with my head held high."
Ward-Prowse returns to Saints a wanted man, with head coach Tonda Eckert hoping to add goal threat from behind Finn Azaz in his midfield.
The 11-cap England international has scored 57 times in the Premier League over his 422 appearances, nearing double-figure-seasons regularly.
His best tally of 10 goals and five assists came in the 2021/22 season, and Ward-Prowse believes he can replicate that in the Championship.
"For sure," Ward-Prowse insisted. "I back myself all the way with that.
Johannes Spors on James Ward-Prowse: “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.”#SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/I1UcV13dSB
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) August 28, 2026
"I think that can be the difference, maybe, between a team that gets into the play-offs or gets up automatically, is to have goals all over the pitch.
"Midfield is an area for that, and it's something that I've spoken to him about and something I'll be looking to add to my game again for sure.
"I think the Championship is up there with the best leagues in the world from an entertainment point of view. I think it'll be a different challenge.
"But having gained all the experience I have over the years, I've got enough to adapt and to help others as well. That's part of being an older player.
"You get those experiences, and you're able to put them into practice."
Though Ward-Prowse refers to his own experience and will willingly tutor the likes of Cam Bragg, he insists he is not past his best as a player.
"Not at all," he said. "I've been in a really good spot in the last couple of years. I've been able to focus on more physical stuff and strengthen other areas."
Ward-Prowse also adds unrivalled threat from dead balls, and you will hear the anticipation buzzing inside St Mary's when he stands over his next.
"I try and ignore that sound because that gets me too excited," he joked. Those sort of moments are special. I've not had one of those recently."
Ward-Prowse has not netted a free-kick since he left Saints, so his tally stands at 17. His next Premier League free-kick will tie David Beckham's record.
"Who knows? Who knows? We've got a really good chance to hopefully get there and do that. But we've got a long way to go," said Ward-Prowse.
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