The Irons gave a warm welcome to Joe Ward, who was highly impressive whilst on trial from Chelmsford City in the recent Development League match against Manchester City, in which we were 2-1 victors. The 19-year-old, who has been on trial for West Ham previously, has been one of the standout players in non-league football during the past twelve months.
He featured down the right-hand side in an advanced role, behind the striker, and looked a lively threat every time he got hold of the ball. Whilst increasingly growing into the game as the match went on, the young man had a great opportunity to get a goal in front of the home crowd, but a fine stop from the City goalkeeper denied him.
I exclusively caught up with him after the game, and he told me that ‘it was a great experience playing at the Boleyn Ground – the surface is pretty much a carpet and the surroundings were quality – it’s a great Premier League stadium and it was just brilliant!’ On the one on one chance; ‘I think I was just caught in two minds’.
It was evident that Ward is an extremely hard-worker, and does the job for the team with his tracking back and his high work rate. Ward attacks the space, and is not afraid to take on defenders which impressed me, as West Ham lack someone as direct as him so it was refreshing to witness. Furthermore, he has a bag of skills which allows him to run past people with ease, and perhaps we have not even seen the best of him yet. On the possibility of playing up front, ‘I’m very quick so I can play up top if I’m given the right service too, and also behind the striker if need be’.
Ward then went on to speak about his general performance; ‘I thought I held my own, and did what I could when I got hold of the ball. I’ve played a season and a half in the Conference South down the right wing so I’m comfortable there and I learnt the defensive side a lot too’.
When on trial at a club as prestigious as the Hammers, you have to remember that all eyes are on you and dealing with nerves can be quite tricky. However, apart from a couple of interceptions made whilst he was in possession, you cannot fault his desire and left the field to a round of applause after being fouled.
Joe has been very much enjoying his time playing with the West Ham Academy boys, and spoke about the players around him. ‘Amos Nasha is such a chilled out player and is class on the ball. He looked for me a lot in the game, and always praised me for good work, effort and unlucky chances. He was always talking and helping me through the game too. He’s a very good player.’
He went on to say that he ‘loved playing there and it is every boy’s dream to play in a big stadium, especially a huge London club like West Ham United!’ We hope Joe Ward is given an opportunity to play for West Ham United on a permanent basis and we wish him every success in his footballing career. It would be a pleasure to have him available for selection on a weekly basis.
