In Sunday’s clash against Arsenal, Southampton Academy graduate James Ward-Prowse notched up his 200th club appearance to hit the double centurion milestone.
The 23 year old is currently our longest serving player at the club, having joined our youth set up aged only 7. Ward-Prowse did of course debut back in 2011 and in making his 200th appearance, 123 of those have been from that start of games across all competitions.
???? @Prowsey16: ‘It is certainly a milestone hit, and a journey that I have thoroughly enjoyed so far. Now I’m looking forward to the next milestone with this club.’ #saintsfc https://t.co/SkjqUAlzBp
? Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 9, 2018
Speaking to saintsfc to discuss the achievement, especially at his tender age, the midfielder explained.
‘When you start out at a football club, in its academy, you don’t expect to still be there 200 games later. Of course it is a proud moment, but obviously I’d rather have the three points against Arsenal. It is certainly a milestone hit, and a journey that I have thoroughly enjoyed so far. Now I’m looking forward to the next milestone with this club!’
We caught up with @Prowsey16 after he made his 200th #SaintsFC appearance in the 3-2 defeat at #Arsenal: pic.twitter.com/yWMgMbb2oS
? Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 8, 2018
Ward-Prowse isn’t short of an admirer or two and with him reaching the milestone, fans haven’t been slow in coming forward with their thoughts about how important he is to the side.
Not just on the pitch either, also the example he sets to other youngsters at the club and the way he conducts himself in front of the camera.
Speaks like a captain ????????
? Henry Smith (@HenrySmith39) April 8, 2018
Let`s build the team around Ward-Prowse next year and bring in all the youngsters.
? Flynnboss (@mattflynn75) April 8, 2018
Some thing tells me that Prowsey will one day be a manager of football !!!
? Saint Finlay ???? (@StFinlay77) April 8, 2018
Glad to see you back in the team. Congrats on your 200th appearance
? Dominica (Nicky)King (@footiechick68) April 8, 2018
Old head on young shoulders and certainly captain material for the future you’d think, but with everything else going on this season I think we should just let JWP play his game rather than piling on any additional pressure.
