Chesterfield are one of 12 EFL clubs interested in Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward, according to Alan Nixon’s Patreon.
Scouts from Chesterfield, Bradford City and Reading, as well representatives from nine other unnamed League One clubs, attended Stanley’s FA Cup second round match against Mansfield town to watch 22-year-old Ward.
The young centre back has been in good form for Accy this season. He is top in League Two in interceptions, according to Playmaker, and ranks highly for tackles and duels won.
Who is Benn Ward?
Ward joined Brighton as a youngster, before moving to Hastings United in 2020 at the age of 16. He made ten appearances for Hastings, before signing for Burnley in 2021.
He signed his first professional contract with the Clarets in 2022, and went on loan to Swindon Town in 2023, where he made three appearances.
Burnley sold him to Accrington in January 2025 for an undisclosed fee, and he signed an 18-month contract.
He has made over 40 appearances for Stanley so far, scoring once.
What would Benn Ward add to Chesterfield?
The centre back is strong in the air, a versatile left-footer, and a good reader of the game.
He can also play as a left-back or as a defensive midfielder.
Chesterfield are in their second consecutive season in League Two.
They are tenth with 28 points, just a point off the play-off places, and only four points away from the three automatic promotion spots.
They were tipped for promotion at the start of the season, and while their form has been good overall, they do have a habit of conceding goals.
The Spireites have lost 6-2 to Colchester United, and had two 3-3 draws against Crewe Alexandra and, ironically, Accrington.
Will Benn Ward go to Chesterfield?
Ward’s contract expires in June 2026, so at time of writing he only has six months left.
Accy could choose to sell him in January, or risk letting him go on a free at the end of the season – if he decides to leave.
With eleven other potential suitors, including those League One clubs, Chesterfield might have a hard job persuading Ward to join, especially if he feels that he is ready to step up to League One.
However, the Spireites are in a stable financial situation now and their strong league position may be a pull factor for him.
Ward has a bright future, whatever happens.
