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;

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

. thought Claret Wardy has finally moved to Rotherham when he saw the topic title.

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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!