Graham Potter hailed West Ham’s deadline-day business after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Hammers signed Evan Ferguson on a straight loan from Brighton until the end of the season and reached a mutual agreement with Nottingham Forest to terminate James Ward-Prowse’s loan there and bring him back to the London Stadium.
West Ham had been in the hunt for the striker during the winter window after the long-term injuries sustained by Michail Antonio, Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen. The England forward did return following his foot injury in Monday night’s 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, though, and had put the Hammers into the lead.
“I’m happy,” Potter said. “The players that we’ve got out at the moment are significant for us. When we get them back — which we will, hopefully, soon — that makes a difference to us.
“To get the two characters that we did, Evan and James, I think they will help the team improve training every day.”
Asked whether cutting Ward-Prowse’s Forest loan short was always part of the plan, Potter said: “It was something we were aware of. It’s always a bit meandering in the window. But as a professional and as a man of experience, he is top. We are looking forward to working with him.”
Potter was asked whether Ferguson, who has lacked minutes for the Seagulls this term, is in good enough shape to play regularly in the coming weeks.
“We have to assess that,” he said. “I think he’s had a few weeks off and then played 20 minutes or so at the weekend. We’ve got some time now until the next game, so we’ll help him in training.
“That’s our challenge now: to make sure that he’s fit, that he’s helpful, and that he’s enjoying his football, because he’s a talent.”
