Joel Ward

[FearOfAJackPlanet]

Seems a strange one, especially given the statement from the owners that we were expecting a quiet January as we ha a manager known for developing young players, but instead they go out and sign a 36 year old when we have Sam Parker sitting on the bench week in week out (and Casey).

Saying that, none of us know the inner workings of what's going on behind the scenes at the club that led to this. I also have no idea what condition Ward is in - he might be one of those duracell bunny types who just keeps going at a high level into his late 30s and he'll surprise us with his fitness and ability to play hard at 36.

If he can stay fit, play well and gives us quality and experience at RB for the rest of the season, I'm not going to complain. Not like we signed him on a 3 year deal.

 

[Cooperman]

None of us know the terms of the deal, but I think it’s safe to assume that we haven’t spunked millions on this. I’ll file this under cheap but solid cover.

 

[jackharris]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2009634269480792449

 

[Frankie Burrows Cap]

Part of the reason must be they are planning on sending Parker out on loan?

If he has been training with the club for a little while it'll be interesting to see if he starts on Sunday - only way to get up to speed will be playing matches.

 

[Michu78]

Welcome Joel

 

[J_B]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2009634269480792449

Joel Ward has changed a bit looking at that photo.

 

[WentToSchoolWith]

He's a replacement for Santos who can also play right back, and brings a lot of experience. It's a no brainer really, assuming he's on pennies

 

[LeonWasTheDogs]

Nothing against the lad and I'm sure he'll be good around the place but it strikes me as an odd signing when defence is arguably where we're most well stocked. Surely a 10 or a winger was a greater priority given funds are tight. But there we are

Not well stocked enough to prevent our best midfielder having to play there. We needed someone (but yes, we also need a new right winger and no 10). Whether Ward’s lack of football means he turns out to be the new Bolasie and a waste of a signing, we’ll have to see.

 

[Swansea93]

Great first interview from him fair play welcome to the mad house Joel.

 

[Neath_Jack]

Into em Joel YJB

 

[Treehuggerjack]

Great first interview from him fair play welcome to the mad house Joel.

Was just about to say that!
Have a feeling he might actually be a very good signing!

 

[Swans Jack]

I like this signing. Think he will add alot of experience to the team behind the scenes. I'm happy with this. Appreciate many won't be, but there you go.

 

[bakajack]

Tough to say but in the interview the clips where he was training he looked sharp. But then again the club would hardly show clips of him looking like a liability in training

I know the move is controversial for many, a lot of people (including myself) would have preferred Parker to be given more trust to develop in the position but if this means that Parker can go out on loan for half a season to get first team experience in league one then it may not be a bad move all considered.

Best of luck to him and I hope that he proves to be an inspired signing.

 

[Jackareme]

I agree with Andrew that signing a creative player looks a higher priority..BUT I am guessing they think they have that creative player - but he has been stuck filling the right back berth through lack of a decent RB.
If we can solidify the RB position - maybe this will add to the team as a whole through freeing up EG 30

 

[FearOfAJackPlanet]

Tough to say but in the interview the clips where he was training he looked sharp. But then again the club would hardly show clips of him looking like a liability in training

I know the move is controversial for many, a lot of people (including myself) would have preferred Parker to be given more trust to develop in the position but if this means that Parker can go out on loan for half a season to get first team experience in league one then it may not be a bad move all considered.

Best of luck to him and I hope that he proves to be an inspired signing.

I watched VM's press conference for WBA and he was clear that he wanted someone with leadership/experience, so I can understand Parker not falling into that role at this stage in his career. Also confirmed that Ward was signed to play RB - which was a reasonable assumption, but I know some have suggested he was coming in as CB back-up (which he could also do of course, if needed)