ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

This Forum is the main messageboard to discuss all things Claret and Blue and beyond
Post Reply
ClaretTony
Posts: 67436
Joined: Thu Dec 24, 2015 3:07 pm
Been Liked: 32242 times
Has Liked: 5255 times
Location: Burnley
Contact:

ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by ClaretTony » Wed May 15, 2019 11:18 am

A few words on Stephen Ward who I think has been a superb player for us

See link
http://www.uptheclarets.com/farewell-to-wardy" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
These 4 users liked this post: Suratclaret IanMcL DomBFC1882 dpinsussex

Suratclaret
Posts: 1802
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:27 am
Been Liked: 332 times
Has Liked: 787 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Suratclaret » Wed May 15, 2019 11:25 am

I've only seen him play on TV but always thought he was a real asset to the team/squad/group. I remember Elder and Newton and I don't think it's any exaggeration to include him alongside those two great players.
Best of luck Wardy...you wore the Claret and Blue with pride.

ClaretTony
Posts: 67436
Joined: Thu Dec 24, 2015 3:07 pm
Been Liked: 32242 times
Has Liked: 5255 times
Location: Burnley
Contact:

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by ClaretTony » Wed May 15, 2019 11:42 am

Suratclaret wrote:I've only seen him play on TV but always thought he was a real asset to the team/squad/group. I remember Elder and Newton and I don't think it's any exaggeration to include him alongside those two great players.
Best of luck Wardy...you wore the Claret and Blue with pride.
They weren't bad the other two were they? I never thought I would ever consider another left-back alongside them although I was tempted once with Brian Easton. :D :D :D :D :D
These 2 users liked this post: boatshed bill Suratclaret

IanMcL
Posts: 30129
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 5:27 pm
Been Liked: 6340 times
Has Liked: 8654 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by IanMcL » Wed May 15, 2019 1:54 pm

His runs down the wing were uplifting. He added zest, when we needed some energy or belief.

You are right to equate him to our other two star left backs.

Best wishes Wardy.

Quickenthetempo
Posts: 17930
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:35 am
Been Liked: 3845 times
Has Liked: 2066 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Quickenthetempo » Wed May 15, 2019 2:05 pm

His winning goal at Boro in the cup was massive to get the confidence back in time to start the 23 undefeated run.

We were getting battered first half. A big turning point in the season for me.

wilks_bfc
Posts: 11412
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:33 pm
Been Liked: 3171 times
Has Liked: 1848 times
Contact:

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by wilks_bfc » Wed May 15, 2019 2:11 pm

How apt was it that the introduction of our "23" led to the 23-23 undefeated

Dublin7Claret
Posts: 242
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2016 12:19 pm
Been Liked: 65 times
Has Liked: 133 times
Location: Dublin 7

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Dublin7Claret » Wed May 15, 2019 2:13 pm

I'll never forget the goal at Chelsea - if Roberto Carlos has scored that it be played a thousand times more.

A cracking servant for us Wardy, wish him all the best for the future.

UTC

South West Claret.
Posts: 5642
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:55 pm
Been Liked: 766 times
Has Liked: 499 times
Location: Devon

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by South West Claret. » Wed May 15, 2019 2:19 pm

Agree with all above and one of the best million pound signings we have negotiated from memory.

Vino blanco
Posts: 5345
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2016 2:42 pm
Been Liked: 1898 times
Has Liked: 1965 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Vino blanco » Wed May 15, 2019 2:25 pm

When I was over in England last season for quite a few games, I normally sat in the Bob Lord stand so got to watch Ward close up. I didn't realise how good a player he was, both defending and going forward, until then. He has been an excellent player for us, a true Claret, and I, for one, will miss him. I wish him all the best for the future.

Tribesmen
Posts: 5066
Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2016 11:15 am
Been Liked: 1177 times
Has Liked: 635 times
Location: Tibet

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Tribesmen » Wed May 15, 2019 2:27 pm

Very good write up I must say .
Now always had a soft spot for Wardy not many of my Irish Friends would agree with me as he got a lot of abuse in Ireland when he played for the International side .

moaninclaret
Posts: 747
Joined: Wed Feb 03, 2016 4:19 pm
Been Liked: 170 times
Has Liked: 277 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by moaninclaret » Wed May 15, 2019 2:53 pm

Good luck Wardy, had some great performances in a claret shirt, his screamer of a goal against Chelsea will live long in my memory, a good full back who could tackle hard, and liked to push forward often, top player.
This user liked this post: South West Claret.

Hibsclaret
Posts: 3940
Joined: Tue Jul 25, 2017 4:00 pm
Been Liked: 1234 times
Has Liked: 490 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Hibsclaret » Wed May 15, 2019 2:59 pm

The best Claret full back since the 70’s. Let’s hope he gets a good championship club rather than one where he can do us some damage, particularly at corners and nullifying our right wing. Great pro.

South West Claret.
Posts: 5642
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:55 pm
Been Liked: 766 times
Has Liked: 499 times
Location: Devon

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by South West Claret. » Wed May 15, 2019 3:14 pm

Well unless his injury problems are worst than we think or he wants to go I'm surprised that we didn't retain him at least as a back up.

Unlike some others I'm not convinced about Taylor's one foot defending at all now or in the future unless he can improve on that weakness.

elwaclaret
Posts: 8929
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:57 am
Been Liked: 1986 times
Has Liked: 2877 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by elwaclaret » Wed May 15, 2019 3:15 pm

Always rated Wardy when he tipped out for Wolves, so I was delighted when we signed him.

Lived up to and beyond my expectations. So sorry he’s leaving. After saying that shows SD shows no sentiment when it comes to squad building, and in the cold light of day is probably the right time for both parties.

All the best SW, someone’s getting a bloody good freebie this summer

cricketfieldclarets
Posts: 21464
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:59 pm
Been Liked: 8585 times
Has Liked: 11285 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by cricketfieldclarets » Wed May 15, 2019 3:46 pm

Expected nothing when we signed him. In fact was very underwhelmed.

Turned out yo be one of our hardest working, most commited and surprisingly talented players in years.

First name on the sheet for me every week until this season and was never less than a 7 out of 10 week in week out.

Played well wherever he was asked. Notably leicester away in centre mid when we were desperate. And was a real asset from corners - attacking and defending.

Will miss him.

ClaretTony
Posts: 67436
Joined: Thu Dec 24, 2015 3:07 pm
Been Liked: 32242 times
Has Liked: 5255 times
Location: Burnley
Contact:

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by ClaretTony » Wed May 15, 2019 4:49 pm

South West Claret. wrote:Well unless his injury problems are worst than we think or he wants to go I'm surprised that we didn't retain him at least as a back up.

Unlike some others I'm not convinced about Taylor's one foot defending at all now or in the future unless he can improve on that weakness.
Believe Ward himself thought it was the right time. I think he’s likely to sign for a club close to his family home.

Quickenthetempo
Posts: 17930
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:35 am
Been Liked: 3845 times
Has Liked: 2066 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Quickenthetempo » Wed May 15, 2019 5:09 pm

ClaretTony wrote:Believe Ward himself thought it was the right time. I think he’s likely to sign for a club close to his family home.
I just hope it's league one and not the championship.

Let him retire gracefully instead of getting burned out in the championship. I don’t think his legs are up to it.

ClaretTony
Posts: 67436
Joined: Thu Dec 24, 2015 3:07 pm
Been Liked: 32242 times
Has Liked: 5255 times
Location: Burnley
Contact:

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by ClaretTony » Wed May 15, 2019 6:38 pm

Quickenthetempo wrote:I just hope it's league one and not the championship.

Let him retire gracefully instead of getting burned out in the championship. I don’t think his legs are up to it.
He’s said a number of times recently that he’s fully fit again. He looked jaded at the start of the season but that was pre surgery.

Quickenthetempo
Posts: 17930
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 10:35 am
Been Liked: 3845 times
Has Liked: 2066 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Quickenthetempo » Wed May 15, 2019 7:42 pm

ClaretTony wrote:He’s said a number of times recently that he’s fully fit again. He looked jaded at the start of the season but that was pre surgery.
I hope he's right then as watching WBA v Villa last night seemed as fast and frantic as any game in the Premier league.

Jeremy_Bentham
Posts: 415
Joined: Sun Jan 24, 2016 1:40 pm
Been Liked: 194 times
Has Liked: 78 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Jeremy_Bentham » Wed May 15, 2019 7:54 pm

. thought Claret Wardy has finally moved to Rotherham when he saw the topic title.
This user liked this post: cricketfieldclarets

Blackrod
Posts: 5114
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2016 12:41 pm
Been Liked: 1348 times
Has Liked: 608 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Blackrod » Wed May 15, 2019 7:56 pm

Excellent player for us. Wasn’t sure why we signed him when we did as I didn’t think we needed him. We did.

mdd2
Posts: 6017
Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2016 8:47 pm
Been Liked: 1665 times
Has Liked: 700 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by mdd2 » Wed May 15, 2019 8:10 pm

Didn't realise we paid £1 million for him as I thought he was OOC at Wolves after he had a season on loan at Brighton.
Great player and value at £1 million-different times but that was what we paid for Ian Moore wasn't it?

Giftonsnoidea
Posts: 1360
Joined: Mon Jun 06, 2016 9:56 pm
Been Liked: 225 times
Has Liked: 248 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Giftonsnoidea » Wed May 15, 2019 8:44 pm

We certainly missed his excellent deliveries from the left this season, not sure releasing him is the best move unless we have someone just as good lined up. Still not convinced by Taylor’s attacking

South West Claret.
Posts: 5642
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 11:55 pm
Been Liked: 766 times
Has Liked: 499 times
Location: Devon

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by South West Claret. » Wed May 15, 2019 9:24 pm

ClaretTony wrote:Believe Ward himself thought it was the right time. I think he’s likely to sign for a club close to his family home.
Well if that’s the case its reasonable enough at his age so I really hope he gets a good move and continues to thrive till he hangs his boots up.

Suratclaret
Posts: 1802
Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:27 am
Been Liked: 332 times
Has Liked: 787 times

Re: ARTICLE: Farewell to Wardy

Post by Suratclaret » Thu May 16, 2019 5:00 am

ClaretTony wrote:They weren't bad the other two were they? I never thought I would ever consider another left-back alongside them although I was tempted once with Brian Easton. :D :D :D :D :D
They certainly weren't...I remember when Keith Newton signed for a Burnley, someone standing near me on the Turf wasn't very happy and repeatedly said, Newton was past it and Burnley must have been desperate signing him. After Newton had played a few games, that particular supporter was very very quiet.
As for Easton, I emigrated soon after he was signed although I have to say there were other factors influencing my decision to leave the UK!

Post Reply