Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce has claimed that he’s still surprised that Jesse Lingard didn’t go to West Ham this summer.
The 29-year-old chose to sign for Forest ahead of the Hammers to end speculation about a move to the London Stadium.
It’s fair to say the move didn’t go down too well in East London.
Lingard’s name is now mud in those parts and he was booed in August when the Reds defeated West Ham.
His time on Trentside hasn’t quite gone according to plan, however.
Currently, he’s in and out of the team and was an unused substitute during last night’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.
Lingard does have an assist to his name this season but given the expenditure, more will be expected.
Pearce worked with Lingard at the London Stadium and he’s still shocked at the decision he made in the summer.
He told TalkSPORT: “The team have not won for a number of games and Jesse’s sort of found himself on the bench.
“Going back to his time at West Ham, I’ve got to say, he came through the door at our place for six months and was magnificent.
“He gave us a different dimension, he could carry the ball and he had a brilliant time with us.
“You make your choice to where you move and where you don’t but I’m still astounded.
“If it was me I’d have been desperate to get back and work with Moyes.”
Pearce surprised that Lingard didn’t go to West Ham
The Forest legend doesn’t get much wrong when it comes to discussing the Reds.
Lingard’s decision was perhaps surprising but clearly, he fancied playing football more frequently at Forest.
It’s proved tricky for the ex-Manchester United player though.
He’s failed to establish himself as a regular in the team and a lack of pre-season is obviously hampering him.
The Reds added Morgan Gibbs-White in the summer as he became the club’s record signing.
One big problem for Steve Cooper is that Lingard plays in the same position.
The challenge for the head coach is to find a formula that best serves both players at the same time.
Lingard doesn’t seem like a man who holds regrets.
As a result, he will still be determined to ensure his time at Forest proves to be a success.
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