Stephen Ward

**SkStu** · 23/08/2009, 1:47 AM

this game was televised here this morning and i looked out for the performances of Wardy and Doyle.

Both played excellently and both got a mention from the match reporter from MOTD and from Mick McCarthy who also mentioned Wardy's progress from Bohemians.

see the link below

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...rs/8216217.stm

**Real Rover** · 23/08/2009, 11:45 AM

Surely must be a real candidate for the left back spot...he is definitely a better option better than Killer Kilbane right now!?!

**carloz** · 23/08/2009, 11:47 AM

Anybody that can play left back is a major major bonus for us at the moment. Its our achilles heel and other teams have picked up on that. Look at every goal we have conceded in our group as proof of that

**Stuttgart88** · 23/08/2009, 1:24 PM

I actually prefer Delaney to Ward, but admit I haven't seen Ward yet this season. He gets beaten a bit easily for my liking.

**Razors left peg** · 23/08/2009, 2:46 PM

I just seen bits an pieces of him on Match of the Day last night but I wasnt overly impressed, he was lucky enough not to give away a silly penalty for shirt pulling. But the highlights were way too short to judge a player on

**Dyl10** · 23/08/2009, 5:27 PM

Ward is very much in the shape of the modern, agile wing back, as opposed to the solid, stocky full back.

**Drumcondra 69er** · 25/08/2009, 11:26 AM

He's only been playing left back for coming onto a season now, he still has a lot to learn. Could be the answer long term but very debatable that he's ready yet.

**dr_peepee** · 03/09/2009, 1:38 PM

Out for three months now..

**Reality Bites** · 12/12/2009, 4:55 PM

Another assured performance at left back by Ward, dealt very well with Lennon, looked tough in the tackle and adds a good physical presence to backline, we need to see a little more of him but surely he should be knocking on the door for leftback slot in European qualifiers..

**Predator** · 12/12/2009, 5:00 PM

Good to hear, but I'm almost sure there's already a thread on Ward. Open to correction.

**drummerboy** · 12/12/2009, 5:03 PM

I've watched Lennon tear full backs apart all season and today Ward made him look very ordinary. He never got by Ward once. This lad is definitely worth a chance with the international team.

**Manc Irish Wolf** · 13/12/2009, 2:38 AM

Apologies if I'm boring the ar*e of you all about the Wolves players, but I'm absolutely buzzing after the result today. Stupidly turned down a ticket, but have been out celebrating the result since the results came in and the double bonus is that Wardy apparently passed a rigorous test in Aaron Lennon with flying colours and Foley is back from injury, coming on at right wing. There is a possibility that he may be forced to play there in the next few games, as Edwards looks to be out for a prolonged period (along with Kightly and Keogh who are both out for 3 months) and he has been groomed for a midfield role ever since being deployed in the odd game as a central midfielder last year.

As for Wardy, I absolutely love this Kid. Typifies everything that you want from a lad playing for your team. A few quotes from those who went:

Ward was awesome, i really thought this game would show whether he could cut it as a left back and he came through it with flying colours.

Ward 8 kept one of the best wingers in the premier out of the game. He is not just a premier fullback, he is a top premier league fullback.

Ward is a $$$$ing legend! Love this guy more and more each week.

(In reply) I know, absolute hero

Ward, what can you say, he is the best left-back I've seen at Wolves. Judging from this performance he could play left back in most teams in the PL, barring the top 6.

Ward. He has a very big heart this boy. He is becoming Mr.Reliable. He gave Lennon very little chances. 8.5.

For the record, Doyler was meant to play his heart out (as ever).

The outlook is looking brighter for Wolves and for Ireland.

**Colbert Report** · 13/12/2009, 2:42 AM

Sounds like he's the natural replacement for Kevin Kilbane.

Too bad Ward is listed as a forward in fantasy premier league

**Manc Irish Wolf** · 14/12/2009, 11:25 PM

Interesting article about Stephen Ward in today's Independent:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...s-1973843.html

http://www.independent.ie/sport/socc...n-1973749.html

Another big test for him at Old Trafford tomorrow

**Reality Bites** · 21/12/2009, 9:39 AM

Stephen Ward makes the Beebs team of the weekend, by all accounts another superb effort at left back, caught MOTD last nite he delivered a pinpoint cross in second half which Ebankd blake should have put away.

**paul_oshea** · 21/12/2009, 9:43 AM

Looks like we might have a real prospect for left full.

How come this wasn't spotted when he spent time in Ireland?

**passinginterest** · 21/12/2009, 9:50 AM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

Looks like we might have a real prospect for left full.

How come this wasn't spotted when he spent time in Ireland?

Because he was a striker, he's only been gradually moved back since his move, he had started to play wide midfield for Bohs but he was pushed further and further back out of necessity at Wolves, it's really a fluke that he's ended up playing there.

**ifk101** · 21/12/2009, 9:53 AM

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

How come this wasn't spotted when he spent time in Ireland?

What do you mean?

**paul_oshea** · 21/12/2009, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by passinginterest

Because he was a striker, he's only been gradually moved back since his move, he had started to play wide midfield for Bohs but he was pushed further and further back out of necessity at Wolves, it's really a fluke that he's ended up playing there.

Ya, maybe, i remember reading about him when he was at the u21s and doing well as a striker, but it just seems strange that it took so long to figure out(and that mccarthy was the one to do it) that his best position is left full.

Perhaps it was just fluke....

**drummerboy** · 21/12/2009, 10:21 AM

Delighted for Ward. The sooner the better he gets a few games for Ireland. He is definitely our next regular left full. No one else really on the radar. Anyone hear of the lad O'Halloran who was with Villa. He looked promising but injuries put a halt to his progress.