Stephen Ward (footballer)

Stephen Ward

Ward playing for the Republic of Ireland at the 2011 Nations Cup
Personal information
Full name	Stephen Robert Ward [1]
Date of birth	(1985-08-20) 20 August 1985 (age 37) [2]
Place of birth	Dublin, Ireland
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) [3]
Position(s)	Left-back, Winger
Team information
Current team	Solihull Moors (Director of Football)
Youth career
	Home Farm
	Portmarnock
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2003–2007	Bohemians	74	(11)
2007–2014	Wolverhampton Wanderers	222	(9)
2013–2014	→ Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)	44	(4)
2014–2019	Burnley	101	(3)
2019–2020	Stoke City	15	(0)
2020–2021	Ipswich Town	30	(0)
2021–2022	Walsall	27	(0)
Total		513	(27)
International career
2003–2004	Republic of Ireland U19	5	(3)
2005–2008	Republic of Ireland U21	13	(4)
2007	Republic of Ireland B	1	(0)
2011–2018	Republic of Ireland	50	(3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Stephen Robert Ward (born 20 August 1985) is a retired Irish professional footballer who played as a left-back who is currently Director of Football at Solihull Moors.

Ward began his senior career with Bohemians in his native Ireland, before moving to English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2007. Featuring regularly, he was part of their promotion to the Premier League two years later and played over 230 times for the club. Following consecutive relegation's though he was transfer listed and after spending the 2013–14 season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion he eventually left to return to the Premier League with Burnley in 2014. He spent five seasons at Turf Moor making 113 appearances for the Clarets before joining Stoke City in June 2019. Following the end of his contract at Stoke City, Ward signed for Ipswich Town in August 2020. He spent one season at Ipswich before being released and joining Walsall in July 2021.

From 2011 until his retirement from international football in March 2019, he had been a regular member of the Republic of Ireland's international squads, and played at UEFA Euro 2012 and UEFA Euro 2016.

Club career

Bohemians

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Ward grew up in Portmarnock where he attended St Helen's Primary School and Portmarnock Community School. ^[4] Ward played schoolboy football for Home Farm and Portmarnock before joining Dublin-based League of Ireland side Bohemians in the summer of 2003. ^[5] He scored twice on his debut as a substitute against Skerries Town in the FAI Cup on 15 August 2003. Ward played as a forward for Bohemians before converting to a left-back. ^[6] His form in Ireland attracted interest from various English sides including Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers. ^[7] The 2006 season with Bohemians ended up being his last and he made a total of 93 appearances for the club, scoring 26 times. ^[5]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

After a successful trial, Ward joined English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2007 on a two-and-a-half-year deal. ^[8] The fee, although undisclosed, was reported to be £100,000. ^[9]

Ward had a bright start to English football scoring three times in his first six games, earning him the Championship Player of the Month Award for February 2007; ^[10] his first goal came against Plymouth Argyle on 3 February. ^[11] He featured in all of Wolves remaining 2006–07 fixtures as they reached the play-offs where they lost 4–2 on aggregate to Black Country rivals West Bromwich Albion. ^[12] The next season was less successful for Ward as he was mostly used in an unfamiliar left midfield role, covering for the injured Matt Jarvis, but announced he was happy to play anywhere. ^[13] Later on in the season, Ward himself also suffered injury woes as he was struck down with patellar tendinitis that ruled him out for four months. ^[14] He played 31 times in 2007–08 as the team narrowly missed a second successive play-off spot finishing in 7th position. ^[15]

The 2008–09 season again saw Ward adopt a new position as he was converted to a makeshift left-back, after George Elokobi sustained knee damage in only the third game of the campaign. ^[16] Despite the emergency purchase of natural full back Matt Hill, Ward was often preferred in the spot anyway. ^[17] Ward only missed four Championship matches helping Wolves win the title and earn promotion to the Premier League. ^[18]

Ward began the club's return to the top flight in the left-back role, but he soon suffered a cartilage injury that kept him out of action for two months. ^[19] Returning in December 2009 he was sent-off by Andre Marriner against Liverpool a decision which angered manager Mick McCarthy. ^[20] Ward made a total of 22 league appearances in 2009–10 as the club managed to avoid an immediate return to the second tier, finishing in 15th. ^[21] At the end of the campaign Ward signed a contract extension with Wolves. ^[22]

During the 2010–11 season, Ward filled a variety of roles, playing left-back, left midfield and as a striker. One game up front saw him net his first Premier League goal, when he scored the only goal of the game against Liverpool at Anfield on 29 December 2010. ^[23] He was part of the team that avoided relegation on the final day of the season as results went their way after a 3–2 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers. ^[24] Ward played 41 times in 2011–12 as Wolves suffered relegation to the Championship, finishing bottom of the table. ^[25] Ward scored Wolves' first goal back in the Championship a 3–1 win against Barnsley on 20 August 2012. ^[26] However Wolves would go on to have another poor campaign in 2012–13, suffering a second successive relegation. ^[27]

Loan to Brighton & Hove Albion

After Wolves suffered a second consecutive relegation to enter League One in 2013, Ward was one of a group of players made available for transfer by the club's new head coach Kenny Jackett. ^[28] On 16 August 2013, Ward was loaned to Brighton & Hove Albion for the 2013–14 season, ^[29] where he made 47 appearances as the club reached the play-offs but were defeated at the semi-final stage by Derby County. Brighton then agreed to a permanent deal with Wolves for Ward over the close season, ^[30] but interest from the Premier League halted the move. ^[31]

Burnley

Ward (right) playing for Burnley in 2016

On 15 August 2014, Ward moved to newly promoted Premier League side Burnley, signing a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee. ^[32] Ward made only ten appearances for Burnley in 2014–15 due to injuries as the side suffered an immediate relegation. ^[33] In 2015–16 Burnley went on a 23-unbeaten run which saw them gain promotion back to the Premier League as champions. ^[34] Ward only missed one league match in 2016–17, playing a total of 38 times helping the Clarets avoid relegation, finishing in 16th position. ^[35] Ward signed a contract extension in August 2017, keeping him contracted at Turf Moor until 2019. ^[36] Ward scored in a 3–2 win away at champions Chelsea on the opening day of the 2017–18 season. ^[37] Ward made 28 appearances as Burnley had a successful campaign finishing in 7th, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. ^[38] Ward lost his place in the side to Charlie Taylor in 2018–19, only making ten appearances. On 12 May 2019, it was confirmed he would leave Burnley at the end of his contract on 1 July 2019. ^[39]

Stoke City

On 26 June 2019, Ward joined Stoke City, signing an initial one-year contract. ^[40] Ward made his debut against Charlton Athletic on 10 August 2019 in a 3–1 defeat. ^[41] Ward was in and out of the team in the first half of the 2019–20 season as Stoke were involved in a relegation fight. ^[42] He picked up a calf injury against Fulham 29 December 2019 which ruled him out for four months. ^[43] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the season was suspended for 15 weeks and extended into the summer and on 1 July 2020 Ward signed a contract extension to cover the remaining matches. ^[44] After only playing once since the restart Ward left Stoke on 17 July 2020. ^[45]

Ipswich Town

On 17 August 2020, Ward joined League One side Ipswich Town on a free transfer. He signed a one-year deal with the club, with the option of an additional one-year extension. ^[46] Ward made his debut for Ipswich on 5 September, starting in a 3–0 win over Bristol Rovers in a League Cup first round tie at Portman Road. ^[47] Having made 31 appearances in all competitions during the 2020–21 season, the club announced on 5 May 2021 that Ward would not be offered a new deal and would leave the club at the end of the season. ^[48]

Walsall

On 9 July 2021, Ward joined Walsall on a one-year deal. ^[49] On 22 April 2022, Ward announced his retirement from football. ^[50]

International career

Ward in action during Euro 2012

Ward received his first full call-up to the Republic of Ireland national team on 4 May 2011, for friendlies against Northern Ireland and Scotland as well as a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Macedonia. ^{[51] [52]} He made his national team debut on 24 May 2011 in a Nations Cup game against Northern Ireland, where he opened the scoring in a 5–0 victory. ^[53] Ward made his competitive debut for the Republic of Ireland against Slovakia in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying match, during which he kept a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw. Ward scored his second international goal in the second leg of the play-off for UEFA Euro 2012 against Estonia, sealing Ireland's place in their first major tournament since 2002 with an unprecedented 5–1 aggregate win. ^[54]

Ward was picked in Trapattoni's 23-man squad for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine, ^[55] going on to play in all three of their matches in the tournament before their group stage elimination.

He played in three of Ireland's four matches at Euro 2016 as the Boys in Green made the knockout stages, losing to France in the Round of 16. ^{[56] [57]}

He announced his retirement from international football on 14 March 2019 after missing out on the final squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Georgia. ^{[58] [59]}

Coaching career

Brackley Town

On 29 September 2022, Ward was appointed assistant manager of National League North club Brackley Town, assisting former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate Roger Johnson in his first managerial role. ^[60]

Solihull Moors

On 26 June 2023, Ward was appointed Director of Football at National League club Solihull Moors. ^[61]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Cup		League Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Bohemians	2003 [62]	LOI Premier Division	6	0							?	?
	2004 [62]	LOI Premier Division	16	2							?	?
	2005 [62]	LOI Premier Division	29	7							?	?
	2006 [62]	LOI Premier Division	23	2							?	?
	Total		74	11							93	26
Wolverhampton Wanderers	2006–07 [63]	Championship	18	3	1	0	—		2 [lower-alpha 1]	0	21	3
	2007–08 [64]	Championship	29	0	1	0	1	0	—		31	0
	2008–09 [65]	Championship	42	0	1	0	1	0	—		44	0
	2009–10 [66]	Premier League	22	0	2	0	0	0	—		24	0
	2010–11 [67]	Premier League	34	1	3	0	0	0	—		37	1
	2011–12 [68]	Premier League	38	3	2	0	1	0	—		41	3
	2012–13 [69]	Championship	39	2	1	0	1	0	—		41	2
	Total		222	9	11	0	4	0	2	0	239	9
Brighton & Hove Albion (loan)	2013–14 [70]	Championship	44	4	1	0	0	0	2 [lower-alpha 1]	0	47	4
Burnley	2014–15 [71]	Premier League	9	0	0	0	1	0	—		10	0
	2015–16 [72]	Championship	24	1	2	1	1	0	—		27	2
	2016–17 [35]	Premier League	37	1	1	0	0	0	—		38	1
	2017–18 [38]	Premier League	28	1	0	0	0	0	—		28	1
	2018–19 [73]	Premier League	3	0	2	0	1	0	4 [lower-alpha 2]	0	10	0
	Total		101	3	5	1	3	0	4	0	113	4
Stoke City	2019–20 [74]	Championship	15	0	0	0	2	0	—		17	0
Ipswich Town	2020–21 [75]	League One	30	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	31	0
Walsall	2021–22 [76]	League Two	27	0	1	0	1	0	1 [lower-alpha 3]	0	30	0
Career total			513	27	18	1	11	0	9	0	570	43

1. Appearances in Football League Championship play-offs
2. Appearances in UEFA Europa League
3. Appearances in EFL Trophy

International

Source: ^[62]

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Republic of Ireland	2011	9	2
	2012	9	0
	2013	2	0
	2014	9	0
	2015	2	0
	2016	9	1
	2017	9	0
	2018	1	0
Total		50	3

International goals

Republic of Ireland score listed first, score column indicates score after each Ward goal. ^[62]

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref
1	24 May 2011	Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland	1	Northern Ireland	1–0	5–0	2011 Nations Cup	[77]
2	15 November 2011	Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland	9	Estonia	1–0	1–1	UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs	[78]
3	31 May 2016	Turners Cross, Cork, Ireland	33	Belarus	1–2	1–2	Friendly	[79]

Honours

Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Football League Championship: 2008–09 ^[80]

Burnley

• Football League Championship: 2015–16 ^[81]

Republic of Ireland

• Nations Cup: 2011 ^[82]

Individual

• Football League Championship Player of the Month: February 2007 ^[83]

References

1. "Updated squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed". Premier League. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
2. Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2008). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2008–09. Mainstream. ISBN   978-1-84596-324-8.
3. The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11. Mainstream Publishing. p. 429. ASIN   1845966015.
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5. "Stephen Ward on homesickness, beating Germany & the frustration of not playing". The42. TheJournal.ie. 23 January 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
6. Young, Collin (17 March 2019). "'He was as mad then as I thought he was playing against him' - Colin Young meets Stephen Ward and Stephen Hunt". independent.ie. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
7. "Cats to take a look Ward". Chronicle Live. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
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24. "Wolverhampton 2 - 3 Blackburn". BBC Sport. 22 May 2011. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
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28. "Four players transfer listed". Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. 24 June 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013.
29. "Stephen Ward joins Brighton as Gordon Greer signs new deal". BBC Sport. 16 August 2013.
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31. "Brighton sign Joao Carlos Teixeira from Liverpool on season loan". BBC Sport. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
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65. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
66. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
67. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
68. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
69. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 21 June 2014.
70. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
71. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
72. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2015.
73. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
74. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
75. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
76. "Games played by Stephen Ward in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
77. "Rep of Ireland 5–0 N Ireland". BBC Sport. 24 May 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
78. "Republic of Ireland 1–1 Estonia (5–1 agg)". BBC Sport. 14 November 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2016.
79. "Republic of Ireland 1–2 Belarus". BBC. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
80. "Wolves 1-0 Doncaster". BBC Sport. 3 May 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
81. "Charlton Athletic 0 - 3 Burnley". BBC Sport. 7 May 2016. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
82. "Robbie Keane earns Ireland deciding win over Scotland in Nations Cup". Guardian. 29 May 2011. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
83. "Player of the Month Awards 2006/07 - The Championship". Andysstats.co.uk. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2012.

External links

• Republic of Ireland profile at Soccer Scene
• Stephen Ward at Soccerbase