Joel Ward

[bakajack]

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, of needed)

Yup that struck me as well (just finished listening to the press conference myself)

Very emphatic that he was signed as a right back that can cover other positions rather than anything else with a big emphasis on his experience and leadership qualities. Can't always trust it but apparently very happy with his fitness levels too

 

[Menston4128]

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

He definately looks in better nick than Cyrus Christie was last January

 

[cmajack]

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

We definitely need more productive forward players.

 

[FearOfAJackPlanet]

He definately looks in better nick than Cyrus Christie was last January

That is a low bar, my friend

 

[Menston4128]

That is a low bar, my friend

The lowest bar indeed

 

[Whaleoilbeefhooked]

Fair doos to Christie, first time around he was good.

 

[malc]

Fair doos to Christie, first time around he was good.

Yes he did well then at the end of the season we didn't sign him allegedly 29 deemed too old .

 

[Glyn1]

That's an interesting interview. If he has kept himself fit training with Palace then do we expect him to start immediately? Whether he does or doesn't, there don't appear to be any downsides to this.

Joel Ward

Joining Swansea, apparently. I thought if anything he'd go back to Pompey! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cpwndd44rw2o

forum.holmesdale.net

 

[Treehuggerjack]

Fair doos to Christie, first time around he was good.

Was very very good first time around

 

[bakajack]

That's an interesting interview. If he has kept himself fit training with Palace then do we expect him to start immediately? Whether he does or doesn't, there don't appear to be any downsides to this.

Joel Ward

Joining Swansea, apparently. I thought if anything he'd go back to Pompey! https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cpwndd44rw2o

forum.holmesdale.net

Not every player has that level of goodwill from fans after leaving them.
Speaks well for his character

 

[JackSomething]

The news on his fitness is very encouraging, especially if he's deemed fit enough to start tomorrow. Would mean I was already wrong on some of my points in the second post of this thread. Hopefully I'm wrong on all of them and he turns out to be an excellent signing.

 

[Treehuggerjack]

The news on his fitness is very encouraging, especially if he's deemed fit enough to start tomorrow. Would mean I was already wrong on some of my points in the second post of this thread. Hopefully I'm wrong on all of them and he turns out to be an excellent signing.

Well said

 

[Pegojack]

I'll reserve judgement until I see what he brings to the team, but of course I'm as apprehensive as everyone else, given our rather poor previous experience of signing out of contract pros getting on in years.

 

[jackharris]

He would have been better than the players (including Guéhi) they got playing today against Macclesfield.

 

[Whaleoilbeefhooked]

I have a feeling this guy is exactly what we want. Premiership experience, can play across the back line, plus forwards, has height 6’ 2” great for both boxes, physically, which we are sadly lacking in the team, and according to Palace fans, a great attitude.
Without a ball being kicked, and providing he stays fit, he’s a bit of a no brainier to bring in
on 6 mth contract.
And again if he can maintain his fitness, I can then see him being offered a years extension, come the end of the season