Wellington Phoenix have today announced the signing of former Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory midfielder Nick Ward on a one-year-deal, which will see the 25-year-old play out the remainder of the season for the New Zealand club.
Ward, who started the season on the Victory’s roster, was snared by the Phoenix on the final day of the FIFA transfer window to further bolster coach Riki Herbert’s squad. Ward is seeking regular starts and leaves Melbourne after making just one appearance for the Victory in the opening month of the A-League competition.
Ward is optimistic of his chances of playing first-team football for his new club, despite Wellington’s midfield boasting the likes of All Whites Leo Bertos and Tim Brown, Brazilian Daniel, as well as Vince Lia and Oscar Roberto Cornejo.
“I’m sad to be leaving Melbourne but the prospect of first-team football at the Phoenix was obviously very appealing,” he said.
“I want to be playing week in, week out and I feel I have a better chance of regular football with Wellington.”
Herbert realises that competition for spots in the Phoenix midfield will be fierce, but says Ward will get his chance to prove himself.
“Each and every player at the club offers different qualities, hence the reason why we’ve sought to add depth to the squad,” he said.
“There’s now a healthy competition for places and we must remember that, given the longer season, everyone will have ample opportunity to stake their claims.
“It’s a good headache for me to have as a coach and I’m sure all the players will be looking forward to the challenge.”
Ward’s attacking qualities and high work-rate are not lost on his new coach, who praised the former English lower-league journeyman.
“Nick’s a good addition to the squad and adds depth into the midfield in a more attacking role,” Herbert added. “He’s the sort of midfielder who gets more advanced (up the pitch) and he has a great engine.”
Meanwhile, Sydney FC goalkeeper Liam Reddy has had his red card from Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners overturned by FFA’s match review panel.
Reddy was facing a two-match ban after receiving red from referee Matthew Breeze for his second-half challenge on Mariners import Patricio Perez, but he is now free to play in this weekend’s away clash with Wellington after the panel ruled that Perez had feigned contact and subsequently charged him with simulation.
Whilst Reddy is angry he was sent off for the challenge, which resulted in a Mariners penalty goal, he is glad to have the affair dealt with.
“Certainly, for me, getting the red card was a bitter pill to swallow and I know justice was done when it was rescinded.”