Stephen Ward

[Cowfold Seagull]

I think he's been superb.

The way Wayne Bridge struggled to stay fit at the back end of last season, I'd say overall we have the better left back now.

No doubt in his day Wayne Bridge was the better player, but in 2013, I'd have Ward in my squad over Bridge.

I think you might be right. Yes on his day Bridgey was a fantastic left-back, but l've a feeling that Ward might prove to be more consistent, fitter, and of course better value for money (salary wise). Only time will tell.

 

[GingerBeerMan]

When his loan runs out, he'll have one year left one his contract. Hopefully we'll be the frontrunners to sign him if he likes it down here.

 

[BensGrandad]

OT noticed Bridge didnt play for Reading yesterday, out injured. Have we got Ward on a loan with an option to buy.

 

[Lifelong Supporter]

Given Bridge's age he is likely to be more prone to injury and the issue of a replacement in the squad becomes more of an issue.

 

[Beach Hut]

Have we got Ward on a loan with an option to buy.

Season long I believe as his wages are massive so unless he wants a pay cut next season I doubt he would sign.

 

[BensGrandad]

Season long I believe as his wages are massive so unless he wants a pay cut next season I doubt he would sign.

I am not disputing this but do we REALLY know what his wages are and how much we are paying towards them

 

[Beach Hut]

I am not disputing this but do we REALLY know what his wages are and how much we are paying towards them

No we don't but I would expect at the very most £10K a week.

Wolves have some massive earners on their books which is totally unsustainable in League 1. On the plus side a mate of mine is a Wolves STH and he advised 13 new grounds to visit this season !

 

[kevtherev]

It's no coincidence we have not lost a game since Ward took up the left back spot. Experience performer at this level. If there is one loose link across the back line, it shows across the whole defence. This was evident in the first couple of games. Since Ward has turned up everyone seems to know what they are doing.

 

[Sam-]

It's no coincidence we have not lost a game since Ward took up the left back spot. Experience performer at this level. If there is one loose link across the back line, it shows across the whole defence. This was evident in the first couple of games. Since Ward has turned up everyone seems to know what they are doing.

I agree, I felt with Chicksen, Inigo or Maksi at left back, Upson felt he had to cover more. Which caused issues for everyone. Now it seems everyone has confidence in each other.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Prefer Bridge, however Ward is an excellent alternative and is also likely to play more games than Bridge.

 

[Mellotron]

Explain? Makes sense to me.

Having Ward ahead of surely one of the best left backs to EVER play in the Championship.

 

[Gordon Bennett]

We were spoilt having Bridge last season but there is no doubt that Ward is getting better with each game he plays for us. The first few games he didn't seem to get forward too much but as he settles in he is obviously getting more comfortable and confident and that side of his game is improving. Yesterday, in the lead up to the free kick from which we equalised, Ward looked second favourite to Spearing to get to the ball first but was deceptively quick in that instance.

 

[J2 DOG]

Getting better with every game,and will turn out to be a important signing for us.Solid defender and can play a bit aswell.Surely if Ipswich didnt have Cresswell,Mccarthy would have snapped him up!

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Bridge hasn't been missed all that much because Ward is a decent LB.

 

[GT49er]

Ward's no Wayne Bridge (who would have had far more England caps were it not for a certain Ashley Cole) but he's a pretty good replacement at this level. Shame we couldn't have kept Bridge, but the club has done a pretty good job in getting Ward in.