Joel Ward

[cardiff eagle]

Anyone know what’s going on with him? Didn’t think he was injured but hasn’t played in ages. Not particularly missing him but he is our captain so strange he’s not around the squad at all.

 

[ASCPFC]

Forgot he existed and he has genuinely been one of my favourite players over the years. I remember Pulis using him in central defence and as a midfielder. I did wonder if he might have been useful like Clyne in a back three. You'd think he'll be gone at the end of the season. All quiet.

 

[est1905]

An incredible servant to the club as well as holding the record for highest number of top flight appearances in Palace's history. Sadly, nothing lasts for ever and as the great Joe Louis once said, no matter how great we think we are old father time will catch us up in the end.
I doubt his contract will be renewed in the summer but if he opted for retirement over dropping down the leagues I'd love for the club to offer him some kind of ambassadorial role or a job coaching one of the kids age groups. Like Andrew Johnson and Darren Ambrose it would be great to continue seeing him around the stadium on match days.

 

[eaglesdare]

He will prob end up being an interim manager for us at some point 😅

 

[Nicholas91]

I've had my criticisms of him over the years from a footballing standpoint however I thought he slotted in very well to the right hand side of the 3 CBs.

Concerning his character and service to our club, I hold him in the highest regard and whatever the future holds, hope it works out well for him.

 

[Lanzo-Ad]

I hope he is doing getting his coaching badges for the U18s, playing under 14 managers since being at palace must give him a good grounding already

 

[Willo]

Joel Ward has played over 360 games for us and served the club with distinction.
His only game for us this season was against Norwich in the Carabao Cup when he replaced Daniel Munoz with about 10 mins of normal time remaining.
He is 35 years of age and in the twilight of his career.I wish him well.

 

[Cartman]

Been a great servant for the club and I hope he is here the rest of his days in some capacity!

 

[Badger11]

I hope he finishes his playing career back at Portsmouth his original club. He can then come back to us on the coaching staff.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

Forgot he existed and he has genuinely been one of my favourite players over the years. I remember Pulis using him in central defence and as a midfielder. I did wonder if he might have been useful like Clyne in a back three. You'd think he'll be gone at the end of the season. All quiet.

When he played in midfield was he an Emergency Ward 10?
One for the teenagers.

 

[RubinsCube]

Whilst he has lost a fair bit of pace, he has kept himself in decent shape. As others have said I thought he did a solid job on the right side of a back three in OG's first few games.

I still think he has something to offer on the pitch: 35 years old isn't what it was 20 years ago and various defenders have done a great job for us at 34/35 in recent times (Cahill, Hangeland, Gabbidon, Delaney).

A lot depends on what he wants to do. I doubt he is happy sitting on the sidelines if extending his playing career. If so he might want a crack at a newly promoted club (a bit like Berkley or Townsend did at Luton last year) or to drop down a league to have a promotion push with someone.

If he wants to end his playing career but stay in the game then I suspect he has the makings of an excellent coach.

 

[DenTyler]

Sir Joel. Outstanding servant to our club. If some of the more technically gifted lads had his heart they would all be £100 million pound players.

Would love to see him go and earn a princes fee in Saudi for a year or two then come home in some capacity at the Palace. Is a Palace legend as far as I’m concerned (plus I once got a video birthday greeting from him and Clyne which was amazing).

 

[Willo]

When he played in midfield was he an Emergency Ward 10?
One for the teenagers.

I watched this programme from time to time.
Oxbridge General Hospital !
Both Joanna Lumley and Dandy Nichols appeared in the series.

 

[syd snot]

Never forget Ward's header off the line at Wembley folks.
The bloke is a Palace legend , nothing less.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

Never forget Ward's header off the line at Wembley folks.
The bloke is a Palace legend , nothing less.

I agree. And as previously noted after 12 years and 300+ games he's paid less than Rob Holding.

 

[dreamwaverider]

I hope he finishes his playing career back at Portsmouth his original club. He can then come back to us on the coaching staff.

I heard he was going to the church when he retires from football. Dunno if that incudes coaching/managing or what.

 

[Willo]

I heard he was going to the church when he retires from football. Dunno if that incudes coaching/managing or what.

Ward brings his Christian faith to the job and grew up in the New Life Christian Church in Emsworth.
He has a verse from Corinthians tattooed on his arm.

 

[Phil’s Barber]

He’s been sat in the dug out in his jeans and puffa jacket along with Wharton for several of the home games. Saw him recently against Southampton but can’t remember if he was in the dugout for Stockport County.

 

[Eagleman13]

I can't understand why the club has never given him a testimonial.

 

[PalazioVecchio]

he deserves a bit of Selhurst named after him. Or maybe some silverware for great defending.....'the Ward Award'...... or the Ballon W'ard.....the Joel in the Crown.