Ward-Prowse not happy on subs bench

[petermcpete]

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse says he will not be happy with another year among the substitutes after his debut Premier League season.

 

Ward-Prowse started Saints' first match of the campaign against Manchester City but began just three more league games. In total the teenager made 11 league substitute appearances and he is desperate to prove himself next season.

 

"I am only 18 but I'm not content sitting on the bench," Ward-Prowse tells BBC Radio Solent.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/22851967 (11.59)

 

So will he look to go out on loan next season, or played in a more advanced position and perhaps move up the pecking order ahead of Davis? Can't see him dislodging Cork or Morgan....

[Dig Dig]

He needs to fill out and find his most suitable position before he can seriously be considered as a week in, week out starter.

 

I agree that a more advanced role is more suitable for him but there is serious competition for this spot.

 

He could get more opportunities if we were to play with a CM three.

[Colinjb]

Good attitude to have, he is #cliché young and hungry and wants to play.

 

If we are to bring in further midfield players this year he will be pushed further down the order, if he is loaned out to the Championship there is also no certainty he will play of be coached to a level that Pochettino would require of him.

 

Could he go to Bournemouth? Or a Yeovil? Someone who may be local, play in a similar style and where he would be at least 80% certain of playing every week? Certainly wouldn't want him at an Ipswich where Mick McCarthy will be strangling the joy out of him.

[SuperMikey]

Think Prowsey would gain much more from being involved with the first team compared to a loan spell. A full pre-season with the coaching staff and some game time will improve him.

 

Agree that he does need to bulk up a bit and figure out his place in the midfield. Not sure if he's creative enough to be playing behind the striker, think he's better playing deeper.

[Gemmel]

I don't think I saw him put a foot wrong when he played and have an endearing memory of Kompany being forced to hoof the ball out like a donkey as Ward Prowse came steaming in.

 

A huge talent, that perhaps we (Fans) are guilty of overlooking a bit as we have sat and raved about Luke Shaw.

 

As mentioned above, he is going to struggle to force out Morgan or Cork and I can't help feeling that the expectations and talk of a higher place finish (Top half -Let's not go near Europe or top 4) are at odds with the ambitions of blooding more youngsters and bringing more players through the academy. That's not to say it is impossible, but it makes it a whole lot harder.

 

Good luck to him, he has obviously got the right attitude and I genuinely think he has a huge future.

 

Pochettino, will play a big part in this lads career, if he (MP) can manage him the right way - As in keep him happy if he is not playing every week.

[Colinjb]

Loan him to Wigan maybe? Depending on the new manager of course. If he continues Martinez' ideals then it could be a great place for him.

[skintsaint]

Still not sure on his best position from what I've seen. Can't play the tough tackling centre mid. Hasn't the pace to trouble opposition fullbacks..and not seen enough from him to say he can play in the AM role as well as AL, GR, SD so not sure where he will get his game time. Maybe a loan spell in the CCC would suit him if he wants to play a lot more than last season.

[pingwing]

Good on him, needs to work for his place but is clearly demonstrating his intent to work for it at least.

[Turkish]

Think Prowsey would gain much more from being involved with the first team compared to a loan spell. A full pre-season with the coaching staff and some game time will improve him.

 

Agree that he does need to bulk up a bit and figure out his place in the midfield. Not sure if he's creative enough to be playing behind the striker, think he's better playing deeper.

 

Right So on the one hand we'll slam players at other clubs who join them to sit on the bench rather than playing for a team lower down the table or in a Lower league, yet when it's our own player he'd learn far more from sitting on the bench than playing regularly for a smaller club further down the table.

[Webby]

I think he's a great talent and it looks like he has a great attitude too.

 

I actually liken him to Paul Scholes when he first started out; tidy on the ball, not scared to get stuck in, and plays it simple. A great prospect. If Cork, or Davis or whoever couldn't play, I'd be more than happy for him to come in.

[Turkish]

Answered your own question. JOINING a club to sit on the bench isn't a great idea. Already being at a club is a different matter.

 

Why? What's the difference? Why would one learn more sitting on the bench whilst another will learn more from playing? Wouldn't he be better off going on loan of he's not going to play much?

[Saint Garrett]

I think he's a great talent and it looks like he has a great attitude too.

 

I actually liken him to Paul Scholes when he first started out; tidy on the ball, not scared to get stuck in, and plays it simple. A great prospect. If Cork, or Davis or whoever couldn't play, I'd be more than happy for him to come in.

 

Spot on, been hugely impressed with him this season, and wouldn't be afraid of having to rely on him.

[Wes Tender]

I'm pleased that he is hungry to play and certainly he'd do a secure job substituting for Cork, Schneiderlin or Davis if they're not available, tiring, or carrying a knock in a game.

 

But if he would prefer a loan out, how about reuniting him with Adkins at Reading?

[alpine_saint]

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse says he will not be happy with another year among the substitutes after his debut Premier League season.

 

Ward-Prowse started Saints' first match of the campaign against Manchester City but began just three more league games. In total the teenager made 11 league substitute appearances and he is desperate to prove himself next season.

 

"I am only 18 but I'm not content sitting on the bench," Ward-Prowse tells BBC Radio Solent.

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/22851967 (11.59)

 

 

Its down to him to push himself up the pecking order and get himself off the bench. No-one is entitled to a free lunch. He can always drop down a division on loan if he wants more playing time.

[Saint_clark]

Its down to him to push himself up the pecking order and get himself off the bench. No-one is entitled to a free lunch. He can always drop down a division on loan if he wants more playing time.

 

He's not complaining about the lack of opportunities, he's saying that he's going to work as hard as he can to get into the first team...

[Fan The Flames]

From what Ive seen of him i don't think he is good enough yet. I did read that players need a run of at least ten games to how their true potential, however there are players ahead of him so maybe a loan spell would be good.

 

On another note Adam Lallana needs to step up this year if he is to fulfill his potential.

[This Charming Man]

I think a loan would be more suitable for him. I can't see him dislodging Cork or MS anytime soon, he's got a long way to go until he's at their level.

Edited 11 June, 2013 by This Charming Man

[alpine_saint]

He's not complaining about the lack of opportunities, he's saying that he's going to work as hard as he can to get into the first team...

 

I read the fuller version linked into the link above, and I didnt see that comment explicitly. He seems to discuss his lack of playing time in a somewhat abstract manner, leaving the reader able to interpret his comments either way.

[ottery st mary]

Right attitude from a positive footballer who is telling you he wants to push on for a first eleven spot.

 

Not complaining but telling the the fans what his intentions are..

 

Up to him to push and secure that place pre season training/matches etc..

 

JWP...You can do it.

 

Tremendous talent..

[Sour Mash]

Still not sure on his best position from what I've seen. Can't play the tough tackling centre mid. Hasn't the pace to trouble opposition fullbacks..and not seen enough from him to say he can play in the AM role as well as AL, GR, SD so not sure where he will get his game time. Maybe a loan spell in the CCC would suit him if he wants to play a lot more than last season.

I agree, cant yet tell what he'd bring to the side and still a very long way off starting regularly for us or even a Championship team. Another year around our first team squad and then maybe a loan out the year after depending on how he's develped.

[Charlie Wayman]

The kids 18 for goodness sake what does he expect? I suppose he feels that because one 17 year old has made the first team so should all the others but it is unrealistic as the other kid is exceptional by any yardstick. Learn your craft slowly and carefully lad, the rewards will surely follow. Patience is indeed a virtue

[saintbob40]

Needs to play and learn his trade and I do not look at him as a holding mid. Loan to Bournemouth would be ideal for him but even a run in the Championship will not be easy at his age.

[Colinjb]

The kids 18 for goodness sake what does he expect? I suppose he feels that because one 17 year old has made the first team so should all the others but it is unrealistic as the other kid is exceptional by any yardstick. Learn your craft slowly and carefully lad, the rewards will surely follow. Patience is indeed a virtue

 

It can be a virtue, but I would be thankful that Ward-Prowse wants to contribute and would be using that as a positive for his development.

[saintbob40]

The problem is he is comparing himself with Shaw and Shaw is a bit of a freak in terms of physical development. Shaw is unusually stong for someone of his age. I can only think of Rooney with such strength at the age of 17. There are very few kids of JWP's age playing week in week out in the Premierhsip, especially English ones. He should compare himself with his fellow England Under 19s and not beat himself up so much -as not many of those are starters in the EPL.

[Webby]

JWP is plenty good enough for a championship side. I'd say he's as good a prospect as Shaw, it s just that Shaw only Fox ahead of him. Midfield is a bit tougher to nail down a spot as it needs a little experience. I may be proved wrong but I think he'll be a great player for us.

[Window Cleaner]

Is he not ? that's simple then we just need to sell one or two of our better players or even just drop them so that he can integrate the side as he wishes. :x

 

No need to buy top class players when you have JWP in reserve, remember his rabbit in the headlights hoofing forwards against Man U.

[sussexsaint]

He wil get his chances this season, up to him to make his mark and I'm sure he will.

[Window Cleaner]

He wil get his chances this season, up to him to make his mark and I'm sure he will.

 

Will he ? I don't see where he's going to get a regular start actually, not with all the top players that we're going to sign...eventually

[Appy]

Not really sure where he fits in at the moment, can't see him dislodging anyone from our midfield.

 

He will get his chances though, as he seems to be the club's blue eyed boy.

[Brussels Saint]

The difference between tidy little players like JWP and those who can go on to be great, is either scoring or creating goals.

At the moment I don't think he does much of either, which is fair enough if he plans to be a defensive midfielder, but I'm not sure thats him.

Right now he is good in possession, does not give the ball away, has a good engine and gets stuck in. He needs however to contribute at the business end IMO.

[70's Mike]

Good

[Turkish]

The difference between tidy little players like JWP and those who can go on to be great, is either scoring or creating goals.

At the moment I don't think he does much of either, which is fair enough if he plans to be a defensive midfielder, but I'm not sure thats him.

Right now he is good in possession, does not give the ball away, has a good engine and gets stuck in. He needs however to contribute at the business end IMO.

 

He's 18 FFS!!!

 

Every decent footballing team needs a "bits and pieces" player. One that isn't spectacular but wins the loose balls, keeps it simple, retains posession, always available to recieve a pass in midfield and does the simple things well. What every team doesn't need is a glory player, playing hollywood balls (giving it away 9 times out of 10) and trying to be the main man all the time. I would say that Jark Cork has been one of out most effective players this season and our performances improved markedly when he played, he is very much the type of player i described yet i guess you would say he hasn't because he hasn't contributed much at the "business end".

[Saint Charlie]

He's 18 FFS!!!

 

Every decent footballing team needs a "bits and pieces" player. One that isn't spectacular but wins the loose balls, keeps it simple, retains posession, always available to recieve a pass in midfield and does the simple things well. What every team doesn't need is a glory player, playing hollywood balls (giving it away 9 times out of 10) and trying to be the main man all the time. I would say that Jark Cork has been one of out most effective players this season and our performances improved markedly when he played, he is very much the type of player i described yet i guess you would say he hasn't because he hasn't contributed much at the "business end".

 

Agree with this 100%. JWP clearly a very good player and will have a very good career.

[derry]

If we bring in more players it will make it even more difficult for last seasons fringe players to get a game without a major step forward in ability.

[Turkish]

If we bring in more players it will make it even more difficult for last seasons fringe players to get a game without a major step forward in ability.

 

if they are good enough they play. If they dont they leave. No room for sentiment.

[Brussels Saint]

He's 18 FFS!!!

 

Every decent footballing team needs a "bits and pieces" player. One that isn't spectacular but wins the loose balls, keeps it simple, retains posession, always available to recieve a pass in midfield and does the simple things well. What every team doesn't need is a glory player, playing hollywood balls (giving it away 9 times out of 10) and trying to be the main man all the time. I would say that Jark Cork has been one of out most effective players this season and our performances improved markedly when he played, he is very much the type of player i described yet i guess you would say he hasn't because he hasn't contributed much at the "business end".

 

I actually agree with you re. Jack Cork but he is a defensive mid and no need to make the impact further up the field. My point is I'm not sure JWP is a natural DM. If he wants to get greater game time in the more attacking midfield roles he will need to prove he can deliver more. As you say he's only 18, so I'm also not suggesting he is not able to get there, just for the moment when he plays, he looks tidy. If he wants to get on the teamsheet each week, I'm not sure tidy is enough.

[simo]

Good no player should be happy just to sit on the bench

[sfc1976]

Do as you're told and keep your mouth shut. Kids today, jesus.

[S-Clarke]

I personally think he will make more of an impact next year, not necessarily from the start, but I see him turning into a bit of a game-changing sub for us.

 

He'd be a class loan for any championship side though, and if it comes to that, we'd be able to get him regular games pretty easily.

[Big Dick Last]

A friend of mine has heard JWP's Dad say he expects his son to go on loan this season as the quality of player coming in will give him no chance of 1st team action.

[david in sweden]

it's not enough to be a good player and worth a place, you've got to earn it and be better than the fellow who's got the shirt.....

 

If he thinks he's good enough then....who would he replace?

[VectisSaint]

A friend of mine has heard JWP's Dad say he expects his son to go on loan this season as the quality of player coming in will give him no chance of 1st team action.

He should go on loan to Spain, Germany or Italy with a top division club where he can improve his football rather than to a Championship team where he will only get game time and not develop his skills. Too many PL players go on loan to the Championship instead of taking the overseas route.

[tajjuk]

He's 18 FFS!!!

 

Every decent footballing team needs a "bits and pieces" player. One that isn't spectacular but wins the loose balls, keeps it simple, retains posession, always available to recieve a pass in midfield and does the simple things well. What every team doesn't need is a glory player, playing hollywood balls (giving it away 9 times out of 10) and trying to be the main man all the time. I would say that Jark Cork has been one of out most effective players this season and our performances improved markedly when he played, he is very much the type of player i described yet i guess you would say he hasn't because he hasn't contributed much at the "business end".

 

 

I don't think he's naturally that player, he's an attacking midfielder. We saw glimpses of it in cameos towards the end of the season as he was making bursts into the box, he seems to have a good eye for a pass, is comfortable in possession and seems decent with both feet. As he gets games he'll start creating and scoring goals more with some confidence. As you say though he's 18, we're expecting far too much probably because of Shaw. For example Ross Barkley is highly rated as a prospect, is only 19 and has only notched up a handful of appearances for Everton.

 

A kid starts playing in the PL at 18 and people think he's going to be like Rooney, most young players don't establish themselves until 21/22.

[AussieDog]

At his age, you can see massive improvements over just a few months. Let's see what he can do pre-season. don't forget he was the clubs young player of the year, above Luke Shaw? who's to say that he won't do enough to be considered an equal to Cork or Schneiderlin. It would be great to have the luxury of being able to rotate 2 from 3.

All I'm saying is judge him on what he does in the next few months, rather than what he did last year. The club obviously aren't spending millions on an academy to then just ignore its brightest talents. Oh...and another reason why he might not get loaned out quite so easily...he's qualified english and he keeps the quota up in the squad!

[SaintBobby]

Its down to him to push himself up the pecking order and get himself off the bench. No-one is entitled to a free lunch. He can always drop down a division on loan if he wants more playing time.

 

please start a thread on what a disaster this is.

 

pretty please.

[wild-saint]

I read the fuller version linked into the link above, and I didnt see that comment explicitly. He seems to discuss his lack of playing time in a somewhat abstract manner, leaving the reader able to interpret his comments either way.

 

yes i agree you can interpret his quotes either way. interestingly you decide to interpret in a negative way, what a chuffing suprise.

 

just once in your life couldnt you just try and put a positive outlook on something. you may even find people actually want to have a sensible discussion on a topic.

[Turkish]

Decent young player in wanting to play more shocker. Nothing to see here people.

[Saint Garrett]

What I like about him is that he always goes looking for the ball and doesn't shy away. Was excellent when he came on against Wigan at their place. Huge talent and will have a big part to play for us over the next few years.

 

Not sure if this has been posted yet but it's the full interview. http://boo.fm/b1444819

[Frank's cousin]

Lad is in that trickey position... too good for a loan move as good enough at 18 to be strong back up and come off the bench... Needs to now put in a decent shift in training and when he comes on to claim a place IMHO. He will get game time, hopefully enough to continue his education, but happy he hungry. Guess will depend on who we sign over teh summer as to whether he will get a loan move - and if he does, really need sto be Championship level with a guarrantee of playing.