Stephen Ward

[SkStu]

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/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/8216217.stm

[Real Rover]

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

[carloz]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Drumcondra 69er]

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]

Out for three months now.. :(

[Reality Bites]

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]

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

[drummerboy]

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]

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]

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]

Interesting article about Stephen Ward in today's Independent:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/ward-returns-to-theatre-of-his-dreams-1973843.html

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/stephen-ward-on-1973749.html

Another big test for him at Old Trafford tomorrow

[Reality Bites]

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]

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

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

[passinginterest]

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]

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

What do you mean? :confused:

[paul_oshea]

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]

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.

[ifk101]

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....

He could be a fantastic goalie for all we know .....

McCarthy bought a striker/winger. He only played him at left full out of necessity.

[paul_oshea]

He played him as a winger first and then realised that he was more suited to playing in the backs after one game there from an interview I read. Ill try to dig it out.

Its not really the point I'm getting at though....

[passinginterest]

He played him as a winger first and then realised that he was more suited to playing in the backs after one game there from an interview I read. Ill try to dig it out.

Its not really the point I'm getting at though....

If he's saying it was after one game he's lying. Here's an article from March 2008 describing him as a "striker come winger" http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2008/03/08/stephen-ward-relieved-injury-wasn-t-any-worse-97319-20574698/
and here's another from September 2008 when he first got a run of games at left back and the reason why, http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/wolves-fc-news/2008/09/16/stephen-ward-to-remain-at-the-back-for-wolves-97319-21827522/


STEPHEN Ward is set to continue in his makeshift role at left-back for Wolves against Crystal Palace tonight.
And the 23-year-old, a specialist winger or striker, is set for a medium-term stint at left-back after recent signing Matt Hill joined first choice George Elokobi on the injury list.

[OwenGoal]

Not sure he's a Trappatoni-style full back. Trap would instinctively be wary of the striker within the full back.

[Razors left peg]

Not sure he's a Trappatoni-style full back. Trap would instinctively be wary of the striker within the full back.

I think thats unfair on Trap.He didnt mind playing Kilbane there when he is a converted attacking winger.Im sure if he had Ashley Cole as an option for us he wouldnt worry that he used to be a striker too

[Colbert Report]

Sent off today against Liverpool after a terrible fifty one minutes at left back. Based on what I saw today, he's no left back at all. I don't know if maybe he just had a bad day or what but he was extremely poor against Liverpool and took two bad yellow cards before being sent off. He may end up costing Wolves the game here now.

Doyle subbed off now to bring on another full back. Nice job Stephen Ward.

[Colbert Report]

Foley caught lunging at Insua, he missed him completely leading to Gerrard's goal. Unbelieveable stuff from Ward. What an idiot. Terrible day for the Irish at Wolves.

[SkStu]

stop being so harsh on him ffs. Its his first full season at left back and its in the premiership. The red card apart, he played fine - good balls from the back, supported Jarvis regularly and defended solidly for the most part. He did show some defensive naivety at times too though and is far from the finished article but Anfield will always provide a tought test for a young inexperienced full back. Most of his performances have been very good this season and we should focus on that instead of trashing him for one bad moment in an overall good half season.

[SkStu]

Foley was being played out of position and it showed. Has had a disappointing season, i thought he would take the premiership by storm.

Doyle held the ball up well but never looked like scoring as his team-mates didnt have the quality to create anything much.

[EastTerracer]

The second yellow card for Ward was actually quite a harsh decision. He did have a hand on Lucas' back but it seemed like there was very little contact before Lucas went to ground. In most cases it would have been a free-kick with no card shown. McCarthy correctly questioned afterwards whether the correction came as a result of communication with the 4th official (and said if so, he wished that the same thing had happened in Paris).

Wolves looked in good shape before the sending off so I think they some case for feeling aggrieved tonight.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Sent off today against Liverpool after a terrible fifty one minutes at left back. Based on what I saw today, he's no left back at all. I don't know if maybe he just had a bad day or what but he was extremely poor against Liverpool and took two bad yellow cards before being sent off. He may end up costing Wolves the game here now.

Doyle subbed off now to bring on another full back. Nice job Stephen Ward.

If you want an argument, lets have it - I've read your laughable opinions on football and if I were you would stick to Ice Hockey. Take a leaf out of your more enlightened Irish brothers in North America and start to read a game rather than spouting over the top, wind-up comments with the immature intention of being contentious (you really are a rebel!).

Remind me again, how were the Mighty Liverpool faring against Wolves prior to the sending off? The game had a 0-0 written over it - which was down to the defensive solidarity we showed, of which Wardy was a part of. There was no way in the world that was a worthy yellow for a sending off - the referee even knew that, hence the reason there was such confusion once he produced the yellow when he tried to backtrack by yellowing Berra instead. To be fair to him, he looked Nervous at the start, but started pushing up the line well and was just starting to motor. Not dismissing any naivety (which is understandable after all, in his first full season at left back playing against one of the top teams in Europe) however in the absence of any other viable contender (the only other alternative Nolan has been a Sub of late) think he might derserve our support (after all being Irish "Fans", Colbert, it is in our interests).

As for Foley, it is his 2nd game back and he is out of position. We are threadbare after losing Kightly, Keogh and Edwards in the last three weeks and need to balance the midfield with a defensive player to complement the more attacking Milijas and Jarvis. You could see he wasn't comfortable there and I have no doubt back he will be playing at rightback when he is back to full fitness.

Doyle held the ball up well as usual but didn't have the service. I fancied him to have a chance, but the sending off put paid to that. He was certainly no worse than Torres - which is not a bad benchmark.

That said, I would like to add that you haven't in the slightest wound me up. Honestly.

[Colbert Report]

It was not my intention to wind anyone up, I was just stating my honest opinion. If that is as good as he is, then he'll never play for Ireland. Fair enough if he just had a bad day, as I haven't seen him play a full match before. I hope I'm wrong about him, left back is our big weakness (as much as I love Kilbane).

Red card aside, terrible performance from this guy.

I don't know why you're getting in digs about "ice hockey" and "fans". I live in Canada but I don't have the slightest interest in hockey. Boring sport. I'm no less Irish than you, you live in Wolverhampton! Born and raised in Ireland myself. Keep the personal digs out of the Stephen Ward discussion, thanks.

[Colbert Report]

By the way, the first yellow he received today for having his hands all over Benayoun was one of the laziest moves a football player can make. There can be no argument over this. Bonehead of the year award goes to Stephen Ward for that one. The second yellow looked harsh but what do you expect after being caught literally clutching for straws?

[Razors left peg]

By the way, the first yellow he received today for having his hands all over Benayoun was one of the laziest moves a football player can make. There can be no argument over this. Bonehead of the year award goes to Stephen Ward for that one. The second yellow looked harsh but what do you expect after being caught literally clutching for straws?

Glad u arent exaggerating anyway:rolleyes:

[Manc Irish Wolf]

It was not my intention to wind anyone up, I was just stating my honest opinion. If that is as good as he is, then he'll never play for Ireland. Fair enough if he just had a bad day, as I haven't seen him play a full match before. I hope I'm wrong about him, left back is our big weakness (as much as I love Kilbane).

Red card aside, terrible performance from this guy.

I don't know why you're getting in digs about "ice hockey" and "fans". I live in Canada but I don't have the slightest interest in hockey. Boring sport. I'm no less Irish than you, you live in Wolverhampton! Born and raised in Ireland myself. Keep the personal digs out of the Stephen Ward discussion, thanks.

A Few Points:

1) If that is as good as he is, then he'll never play for Ireland. - As mentioned, it wasn't his best game, but that's not as good as he is - he has been quality in his last three (including two clean sheets which was exactly the same score the game was at today in his "terrible performance" before he was sent off). It was called a bad game - all players have them - a players career is a learning curve and Wardy (like all of the Irish players recently promoted to the Premier League) will learn from every game. This is to our benefit - not for them to be derided at every mistake with damning statements such as Based on what I saw today, he's no left back at all.

2) I'm no less Irish than you, you live in Wolverhampton! - I referred to you and your Irish brothers in North America. I in no way questioned your Irishness whatsoever. What I do question is your premature, sensationlist opinions. For the record, I live in Manchester (as the name suggests).

3) The second yellow looked harsh a far cry from your previous two bad yellow cards - make up your mind - consistency is often the basis of any good argument.

[MeathDrog]

Foley caught lunging at Insua, he missed him completely leading to Gerrard's goal. Unbelieveable stuff from Ward. What an idiot. Terrible day for the Irish at Wolves.
The above post demonstrates what an absolute tit you are.

Happy New Year and exciting times ahead.

[Colbert Report]

I love how everyone is jumping all over me. The guy played terribly, look at the match ratings from people other than me if you don't believe me. I guess this forum is only for unadultered praise of Irish players huh?

[Colbert Report]

Ward given the lowest match rating of both teams, by a wide margin:

http://www.skysports.com/football/user_ratings/0,19768,11065_3150469,00.html

[drummerboy]

I've been watching Ward with interest and on the games I've seen him play this season, I think he is nailed on to be the next regular Ireland left full. Dreadful mistake made by ref for 2nd yellow card. It was barely a free.

[backstothewall]

haven't seen much of Ward recently, but would have to agree with Mick mcCarthy on the sending off. 1st one was a booking, but on the second one its just a case of legs getting tangled at speed. no intent at all from Ward to bring him down, and not a yellow card in my opinion.

[Junior]

Ward given the lowest match rating of both teams, by a wide margin:

http://www.skysports.com/football/user_ratings/0,19768,11065_3150469,00.html

I only saw the MOTD highlights, however, you dont think that rating might be slightly tainted by the fact that he was sent off? i.e. It might not necessarily be a reflection of his performance in the 51 minutes (or whatever it was) that preceeded it?

You know, like when a sub comes on with 20 minutes to go and gets a 3?

Hey, but if Sky Sports says it - it must be true.

Awesome.

[osarusan]

No question the first was a yellow, and for the second, if the referee gives a free, I think he has to give a booking, with Lucas racing into the box like he was.

[elroy]

Bonehead of the year award

I think you'll find Thierry Henry has already been presented with that award for this year.

Didnt see the other nights game but from recent reports Ward had been doing well at LB. Like its important to play down expectation/exaggeration when an Irish player does very well in game, the same applies when a player does not do too well. One night is not appropriate for such kneejerk over the top reactions, give the lads at least a series of games and then judge overall. If im right (and Manc Wolf im sure will confirm), i think Ward has been out injured for a decent portion of this season so give the lads a few weeks of play before judging.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

I think you'll find Thierry Henry has already been presented with that award for this year.

Didnt see the other nights game but from recent reports Ward had been doing well at LB. Like its important to play down expectation/exaggeration when an Irish player does very well in game, the same applies when a player does not do too well. One night is not appropriate for such kneejerk over the top reactions, give the lads at least a series of games and then judge overall. If im right (and Manc Wolf im sure will confirm), i think Ward has been out injured for a decent portion of this season so give the lads a few weeks of play before judging.

Yes he played well in the first couple of games of the season and that was out for three months, only returning at half time on the 2nd half of the Birmingham game. He may have got a stupid first booking against Liverpool, but in the four games that he has played since coming back from injury - 45 mins against Birmingham, 90 against Spurs (in which he was deemed to be MoM against Lennon by most who went) and Burnley, as well as the 60 against Liverpool, we haven't conceeded a goal. I have no doubt that he will be back in against West Ham in two weeks time (well I certainly hope he is).

[Irishwolf]

Recently just signed up to foot.ie. Have seen ward play live in the flesh a lot this season and he is without doubt a class act. Excellent on the ball and going forward, also a very good defender who rarely gets caught out. I dont know why people are slateing him for getting sent off against Liverpool, that happens (and he'll learn from it). He is defo a prem player and defo our next international left back.

Another good solid game for him yesterday against Tranmere in the cup. Some great balls into the box, pity Blake couldn't finish.

[Razors left peg]

Recently just signed up to foot.ie. Have seen ward play live in the flesh a lot this season and he is without doubt a class act. Excellent on the ball and going forward, also a very good defender who rarely gets caught out. I dont know why people are slateing him for getting sent off against Liverpool, that happens (and he'll learn from it). He is defo a prem player and defo our next international left back.

Another good solid game for him yesterday against Tranmere in the cup. Some great balls into the box, pity Blake couldn't finish.

When u are on this forum a while u will realise that certain people have some strange opinions at times to put it kindly

[Acornvilla]

When u are on this forum a while u will realise that certain people have some strange opinions at times to put it kindly
a big percentage of irish people just love to complain and see others fail.... so we have our fair share of those types on here also

[dr_peepee]

Ha!! Yeah... You'll never be famous in your own town, as they say!!!!

[Colbert Report]

I dont know why people are slateing him for getting sent off against Liverpool, that happens

No way man. The two arm attack on Benayoun that earned him his first yellow was one of the laziest plays you'll see in the Premiership this year. You don't see carelessness like that in pub football.

[Acornvilla]

No way man. The two arm attack on Benayoun that earned him his first yellow was one of the laziest plays you'll see in the Premiership this year. You don't see carelessness like that in pub football.
i've seen much worse in the 7-a-side leagues round longford :D