Port Vale have announced the signing of central midfielder Grant Ward.
The midfielder was released by the Gas following their relegation of League One with the end of his contract.
During his time in BS7, Ward was plagued with injuries stopping him from gaining any momentum in the blue and white quarters.
Ward joined Bristol Rovers in January 2023. He was viewed as a good signing for his championship experience with Blackpool, Ipswich and Rotherham.
Ward scored five times over his two years. His highlight coming against away at Norwich City in the FA Cup to force a replay. A trivela shot fired into the top corner at Carrow Road as the game finished 1-1.
He secured 80 apps in all competitions and often was a big player for the Gas. His quality often showed he had championship ability although was not able to consistently show what he had to offer being side-lined during injuries.
Grant Ward came through at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy. After loans at Chicago fire, Coventry City and Rotherham United eventually finding a permanent home at Ipswich town in 2016.
Ward’s debut for the Tractor Boys’ could not have started off better as he scored a hattrick in 39 minutes to secure a 4-2 win at home. He managed to play 46 games in all comps in his first season in the EFL.
The Englishman was a first team regular in Suffolk in the 2017-18 season however suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in December 2018. This was the last time he played for the club as he got released at the end of the season.
Ward then went up north to Blackpool. He signed an 18 month contract with the tangerines and made 56 appearances before Blackpool released him at the end of his contract.
The 31-year-old then returned to the tangerines as a trialist signing a three month contract. However he was only able to play twice and was released in January.
Ward joins Port Vale who sit 24th in the League One table. The Staffordshire-based side are 11 points off safety.
Port Vale recently appointed Jon Brady as head coach. The Australian has three wins, one draw and three losses since in all competitions since arriving at Vale Park.
Ward should bring a calmness to the midfield occasionally getting some goal involvements. However his injuries have stunted his playing time across his career which could backfire on the Valiants.
