A Derby County podcaster has welcomed Joe Ward’s contract extension, highlighting the impact he has on set pieces and utility across positions.
Jack Bryan, who hosts Rams Review Podcast, says Ward is an experienced head who is deserving of a contract because of his efforts getting the Rams out of League One.
Meanwhile, excitement is growing for the Rams faithful, due to increasing squad depth, not just this season ahead of potential playoffs, but looking ahead at next year.
Ward’s experience could be crucial to make a Premier League charge.
Bryan said: “He has been standout for Derby, easily one of the best crossers of a ball and set piece takers on his day.
“Despite 30 not being young for a wide player, I think the extra year makes a lot of sense given Max Johnston’s injury record since he’s arrived.”
Ward, capable on both the wing and at fullback, has been used all over the pitch this season in the Rams quest to make the Championship playoffs.
This isn’t the first time he’s been the man to turn to in a promotion hunt, he claimed six goal contributions as Derby escaped the depths of League One in the 23/24 season.
His original contract was set to expire at the end of the season, but Derby manager John Eustace was keen to keep hold of him.
This is despite buying attacking depth in the January transfer window, adding Sammie Szmodics to the likes of Ben Bereton Diaz, Patrick Agyemang, Carlton Morris and Rhian Brewster.
Ward is not getting any younger, having struggled with a repetitive knee injury looks set to play a less demanding role.
That is not to say he will have his moments, having scored a 96th minute free kick against West Bromwich Albion in the EFL Cup early this campaign, along with racking up his eighth Championship assist of the season in a 2-1 against Sheffield Wednesday last week.
Since arriving from Austrian Bundesliga side Sturm Graz in the summer, 22-year-old Max Johnston has struggled with injuries, only making nine appearances for the Rams.
This presented Ward with the chance to claim that position as his own, proving to Eustace, he’s the right man for the job.
Eustace has slowly adapted his system throughout the season to utilise the width of the pitch which plays into the strengths of Ward, being quick and powerful.
Season ticket holder Dan Swift said: “Playing narrow doesn’t work anywhere near as well, having players out wide, it’s been inconsistent but it’s gradually started to improve.
“With Ward, it’s just a case of getting him on the ball, linking up with the likes of Brereton Diaz, that’s when we’re at our best.”
Rams fans seem hopeful, could this be the key to finally a Premier League return, if not this season perhaps the next?
