Grant Ward
{{short description|English association football player}}
{{For|the fictional character|Grant Ward (Marvel Cinematic Universe)}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Grant Ward
| image = GrantWardIpsBar1.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Grant playing for Ipswich Town in 2016
| fullname = Grant Anthony Ward{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/202021/efl-squad-numbering-11.09.2020.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Blackpool |publisher=English Football League |page=9 |access-date=19 September 2020}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1994|12|5}}{{cite web |title=Grant Ward |url=http://www.11v11.com/players/grant-ward-248921/|publisher=11v11 |access-date=20 January 2016}}
| birth_place = Lewisham, England
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=11}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub = Bristol Rovers
| clubnumber = 8
| youthyears1 = 2011–2014
| youthclubs1 = Tottenham Hotspur
| years1 = 2014–2016
| clubs1 = Tottenham Hotspur
| caps1 = 0
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 2014
| clubs2 = → Chicago Fire (loan)
| caps2 = 23
| goals2 = 1
| years3 = 2015
| clubs3 = → Coventry City (loan)
| caps3 = 11
| goals3 = 0
| years4 = 2015–2016
| clubs4 = → Rotherham United (loan)
| caps4 = 40
| goals4 = 2
| years5 = 2016–2019
| clubs5 = Ipswich Town
| caps5 = 94
| goals5 = 8
| years6 = 2019–2022
| clubs6 = Blackpool
| caps6 = 45
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2022–2023
| clubs7 = Blackpool
| caps7 = 2
| goals7 = 0
| years8 = 2023–
| clubs8 = Bristol Rovers
| caps8 = 74
| goals8 = 3
| club-update = 21:12, 3 May 2025 (UTC)
}}
Grant Anthony Ward (born 5 December 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Bristol Rovers. He will become a free agent on 30 June 2025. He has previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, Chicago Fire, Coventry City, Rotherham United, Ipswich Town and Blackpool.
Club career
=Tottenham Hotspur=
Ward signed with the Tottenham Hotspur Academy in 2011. During his time at Spurs, he progressed through the club's youth system. He appeared for their Under-18 side during the 2011–2012 season, scoring 3 goals in 16 starts and 10 substitute appearances during the season, as well as featuring in 3 FA Youth Cup matches. He continued to feature for the club's under-18 team during the 2012–13 season, making 17 appearances in the U18 Premier League, while also making 3 appearances in the FA Youth Cup and featuring twice in the 2012–13 NextGen Series.{{cite web|url=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/professionals-profiles/grant-ward/ |title=Grant Ward |work=tottenhamhotspur.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325160307/http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/professionals-profiles/grant-ward/ |archive-date=25 March 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
==Chicago Fire (loan)==
On 22 March 2014 Ward signed on loan with Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/03/22/chicago-fire-sign-tottenham-hotspur-youngster-grant-ward-loan|title=Chicago Fire sign Tottenham Hotspur youngster Grant Ward on loan|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=8 June 2014|archive-date=6 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906141042/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/03/22/chicago-fire-sign-tottenham-hotspur-youngster-grant-ward-loan|url-status=dead}} Ward's debut was delayed due to his injury on metatarsal that kept him out for months{{cite web|url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/blog/post/2014/04/22/social-grant-ward-updates-us-his-recovery-metatarsal-surgery-0|title=SOCIAL: Grant Ward updates us on his recovery from metatarsal surgery|publisher=Chicago Fire SC|date=22 April 2014|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830112449/http://www.chicago-fire.com/blog/post/2014/04/22/social-grant-ward-updates-us-his-recovery-metatarsal-surgery-0|archive-date=30 August 2014 |url-status=live}} It took until 25 May 2014, where he came on as a substitute for Dilly Duka in the 61st minute, as Chicago Fire beat Columbus Crew 2–0.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/05/match-recap-columbus-crew-2-chicago-fire-0|title=Match Recap: Columbus Crew 2, Chicago Fire 0|publisher=Chicago Fire SC|date=24 May 2014|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601012901/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/05/match-recap-columbus-crew-2-chicago-fire-0|archive-date=1 June 2014 |url-status=live}} Ward's loan spell with Chicago Fire was extended until the end of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/06/chicago-fire-extends-loan-midfielder-grant-ward|title=Chicago Fire Extends Loan On Midfielder Grant Ward|publisher=Chicago Fire SC|date=13 June 2014|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705133949/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/06/chicago-fire-extends-loan-midfielder-grant-ward|archive-date=5 July 2014 |url-status=live}} Ward scored his first Chicago Fire goal on 24 July 2014, in a 5–1 loss against San Jose Earthquakes.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/07/chicago-fire-fall-5-1-san-jose-earthquakes|title=Chicago Fire Fall 5–1 To San Jose Earthquakes|publisher=Chicago Fire SC|date=24 July 2014|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729165641/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/07/chicago-fire-fall-5-1-san-jose-earthquakes|archive-date=29 July 2014 |url-status=live}} In the last game of the season, Ward then provided two assists, in a 2–1 win over Houston Dynamo.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/10/recap-chicago-fire-beats-houston-dynamo-2-1-late-goal|title=RECAP: Chicago Fire beats Houston Dynamo 2–1 on late goal|publisher=Chicago Fire SC|date=24 October 2014|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027111203/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/10/recap-chicago-fire-beats-houston-dynamo-2-1-late-goal|archive-date=27 October 2014 |url-status=live}} Following the end of the 2014 season, the club allowed Ward to make his return to his parent club.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/11/chicago-fire-exercise-contract-options-six-players|title=Chicago Fire Exercise Contract Options On Six Players|publisher=Chicago Fire SC|date=18 November 2014|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141120225425/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/11/chicago-fire-exercise-contract-options-six-players|archive-date=20 November 2014 |url-status=live}}
File:Grant Ward 20160308.jpg in 2016]]
==Coventry City (loan)==
On 11 March 2015 Ward began training with League One side Coventry City and it was announced two days later on 13 March 2015 that he had joined them on loan until the end of the season. He was given the number 8 shirt.{{cite web|url=http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/grant-loaned-to-coventry-130315/|title=Grant loaned to Coventry|work=tottenhamhotspur.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402172909/http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/grant-loaned-to-coventry-130315/|archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}} Ward made his Coventry City debut three days later against Chesterfield, where he assisted Sanmi Odelusi, as his shot was deflected to Odelusi's goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/grant-ward-coventry-city-chesterfield-debut-league-one-2334202.aspx|title="I thought I did OK today, I made a few small errors but it's my first game, I'm only going to get better." Coventry City's Grant Ward|publisher=Coventry City F.C.|date=14 March 2015|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316020906/http://www.ccfc.co.uk/news/article/grant-ward-coventry-city-chesterfield-debut-league-one-2334202.aspx|archive-date=16 March 2015 |url-status=live}} The match ended with Coventry City winning 3–2.{{cite news|title=Chesterfield 2–3 Coventry City|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/31776149|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 March 2015|access-date=11 August 2015}} Ward went on to make eleven appearances for the club.
==Rotherham United (loan)==
At the start of the 2015–16 season, Ward started training with Championship side Rotherham United.{{cite news|title=Tottenham Hotspur midfielder and Coventry City target Grant Ward training with Rotherham United|url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/tottenham-hotspur-midfielder-coventry-city-9604341|publisher=Coventry Telegraph|date=7 July 2015|access-date=11 August 2015}} Six days later after training, Ward joined Rotherham United on a six-month loan deal on 13 July 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-2539142.aspx|title=Millers land Tottenham Hotspur ace|publisher=Rotherham United F.C.|date=13 July 2015|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713224358/http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-2539142.aspx|archive-date=13 July 2015 |url-status=live}} Upon joining the club, Ward was given number seventeen shirt ahead of the new season.{{cite web|url=http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-2579859.aspx|title=Millers announce 15/16 squad numbers|publisher=Rotherham United F.C.|date=29 July 2015|access-date=11 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811230817/http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-2579859.aspx|archive-date=11 August 2015|url-status=live}} Ward made his Rotherham United debut, in the opening game of the season, as they lost 4–1 against Milton Keynes Dons.{{cite news|title=Rotherham United 1–4 Milton Keynes Dons|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33744183|publisher=BBC Sport|date=8 August 2015|access-date=11 August 2015}} He scored his first goal for the club against Burnley in a 2–1 loss on 2 October 2015.{{cite web|title=Rotherham United 1-2 Burnley|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34355452|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 October 2015}} After changing his loan type from initial youth loan to a senior loan to cover for injuries in the squad by Rotherham manager Neil Redfearn,{{cite web|url=http://www.themillers.co.uk//news/article/rotherham-united-tottenham-hotspur-grant-ward-2821755.aspx |title=Grant staying with Millers |publisher=Rotherham United F.C. |date=26 November 2015 |access-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530020345/http://www.themillers.co.uk//news/article/rotherham-united-tottenham-hotspur-grant-ward-2821755.aspx |archive-date=30 May 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} Ward then scored his second goal for the club on 26 December 2015, in a 4–0 win over Bolton Wanderers.{{cite news|title=Rotherham United 4 - 0 Bolton Wanderers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35138855|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 December 2015|access-date=21 December 2016}} After extending his loan spell for the rest of the season,{{cite news|title=Grant Ward stays on loan at Rotherham United from Tottenham Hotspur|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11747/10152199/grant-ward-stays-on-loan-at-rotherham-united-from-tottenham-hotspur|publisher=Sky Sports|date=1 February 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}} Ward continued to be in the regular first team and helped the club avoid relegation for the second time this season and made forty appearances and scoring two times. For his performance this season, Ward won both the club's Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-3087786.aspx |title=Grant wins Goal of the Season award |publisher=Rotherham United F.C. |date=3 May 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221222217/http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-3087786.aspx |archive-date=21 December 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
=Ipswich Town=
On 1 August 2016 Ward signed a three-year deal with Football League Championship side Ipswich Town on an undisclosed fee, believed to be £600K.{{cite web|url=http://www.itfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/grant-ward-joins-ipswich-town-from-tottenham-3218453.aspx |title=Grant Ward Joins Town |publisher=Ipswich Town F.C. |date=1 August 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819132006/http://www.itfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/grant-ward-joins-ipswich-town-from-tottenham-3218453.aspx |archive-date=19 August 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} Ward was previously linked with a move back to Rotherham United before opting to join Ipswich Town instead.{{cite news|title=Rotherham United: Alan Stubbs looking to continent for new Millers signings|url=http://www.southyorkshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/rotherham-united-alan-stubbs-looking-to-continent-for-new-millers-signings-1-8032097|publisher=South Yorkshire Times|date=26 July 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}}
On his debut, Ward scored a hat-trick in 39 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute in an opening day 4–2 win over Barnsley at Portman Road.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36929755|title=Ipswich Town 4-2 Barnsley|work=BBC Sport}} Three weeks later, on 27 August 2016, Ward scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Preston North End.{{cite news|title=Ipswich 1-0 Preston: Ward's strike bags three points|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/ipswich-vs-preston/358166|publisher=Sky Sports|date=27 August 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}} It wasn't until on 26 November 2016 when he scored again, in a 3–0 win over Queens Park Rangers.{{cite news|title=Ipswich Town 3 - 0 Queens Park Rangers|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38034979|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 November 2016|access-date=21 December 2016}} He made 46 appearances in all competitions during his first season at the club, scoring 6 goals.
Ward continued to be a first-team regular during the 2017–18 season. He scored his first goal of the season on 26 September, netting the final goal in a 5–2 home win over Sunderland.{{cite news|title=Ipswich Town 5 - 2 Sunderland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41315199|publisher=BBC Sport|date=26 September 2017|access-date=31 October 2019}} He went on to make 37 appearances over the course of the season, scoring 2 goals.
On 26 December 2018, Ward suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury during a 0–3 away loss to Queens Park Rangers, which ruled him out of playing for up to a year. This proved to be his last appearance for the club as he was released at the end of the 2018–19 season, although he remained at the club while he recovered from injury.{{cite news |url=https://www.itfc.co.uk/news/2019/may/town-announce-retained-list/ |title=Gerken Included in Released Blues|publisher=Ipswich Town Official Website|date=20 May 2019 |access-date=20 May 2019}}
=Blackpool=
On 28 December 2019, Ward joined Blackpool on a free transfer, signing an 18-month contract with the option of an additional year.[https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2019/december2/january-comes-early-ward-signs/ "January Comes Early: Ward Signs!"] - Blackpool F.C., 28 December 2019 Grant was released by the club at the end of the 2021–22 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/post/club-confirms-retained-list-may-22|title=Club Confirms Retained List|website=www.blackpoolfc.co.uk|date=10 May 2022|accessdate=10 May 2022}}
Ward appeared as a trialist for Blackpool during a pre-season friendly against Rangers at Bloomfield Road on 16 July 2022, having been on trial with Reading. Blackpool manager Michael Appleton, the successor to Neil Critchley, whose decision it was to release Grant, said: "It's an opportunity for him to say, 'Right okay. Here's where I'm at, these are my fitness levels and are you interested? Do you want to sign me?'"{{Cite web |title=Michael Appleton reveals Blackpool's stance on Grant Ward after Rangers outing |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/blackpool-fc/michael-appleton-reveals-blackpools-stance-on-grant-ward-after-rangers-outing-3771161 |access-date=2022-07-17 |website=www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk |date=17 July 2022 |language=en}}
He re-signed for the Seasiders on 21 October 2022, on a three-month contract;{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Blackpool |title=Ward Signs Short-Term Contract |url=https://blackpoolfc.co.uk/news/2022/october/21/ward-signs-short-term-contract/ |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Blackpool FC|date=21 October 2022 }} he was released on 21 January 2023.{{Cite web |title= |url=https://twitter.com/blackpoolfc/status/1616850613010137091 |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=Twitter |language=en}}
=Bristol Rovers=
On 27 January 2023, Ward signed for League One club Bristol Rovers.{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2023/january/grant-ward-signs-for-rovers/|title=Grant Ward signs for Rovers!|website=www.bristolrovers.co.uk|date=27 January 2023|accessdate=27 January 2023}} He made his debut the following day as a substitute in a 5–1 defeat at Morecambe.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64356481|title=Morecambe 5–1 Bristol Rovers: Joey Barton calls performance 'rude awakening'|publisher=BBC Sport|date=28 January 2023|accessdate=29 January 2023}} On 10 April 2023, he scored his first goal for the club with the winner in a 2–1 victory over Fleetwood Town, his cross flying over the goalkeeper's head and finding the top corner.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65159423|title=Fleetwood Town 1–2 Bristol Rovers|publisher=BBC Sport|date=10 April 2023|accessdate=11 April 2023}} Having only signed a short-term contract until the end of the season, he was reportedly receiving interest from other clubs with a new contract offer from Rovers also on the table.{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-rovers/bristol-rovers-star-attracting-transfer-interest-from-league-one-clubs-4111481|title=Bristol Rovers face transfer tug-of-war as rival clubs take interest in star|publisher=Bristol World|last1=Jones|first1=Jordan|date=20 April 2023|accessdate=21 April 2023}} He was officially offered a contract at the end of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2023/may/retained-list/|title=2022/23 Retained and Released List|website=www.bristolrovers.co.uk|date=20 May 2023|accessdate=20 May 2023}}
On 3 June 2023, Ward signed a new two-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2023/june/grant-ward-signs/|title=Rovers Secure Ward Until 2025|website=www.bristolrovers.co.uk|date=3 June 2023|accessdate=4 June 2023}} Injury issues once again returned for Ward during the 2023–24 season, making just three appearances across a three-month spell from late August to late November before another injury suffered in early January ruling him out until March.{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-rovers/grant-ward-bristol-rovers-joey-barton-4345178|title=Mystery Bristol Rovers absence explained as Gas 'back off' – as injuries decimate squad|publisher=Bristol World|last1=Langstaff|first1=Harry|date=22 September 2023|accessdate=18 March 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/grand-grant-ward-opens-up-8935636|title=Grand Grant Ward opens up on 'sharp' return for Bristol Rovers at Derby and future career plans|last1=Hargraves|first1=Daniel|date=27 November 2023|accessdate=18 March 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bristolworld.com/sport/football/bristol-rovers/bristol-rovers-grant-ward-injury-kevin-bond-4475165|title='Sorely missed' - Bristol Rovers 'fear' key midfielder will be sidelined for 'weeks' by injury|publisher=Bristol World|last1=Langstaff|first1=Harry|date=11 January 2024|accessdate=18 January 2024}}
Following relegation, Ward was released at the end of the 2024–25 season. {{cite web|url=https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/footballing-operation-review-concluded|title=Footballing Operation Review Concluded|website=www.bristolrovers.co.uk|date=4 May 2025|accessdate=4 May 2025}}
Career statistics
{{updated|end of 2024–25 season}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
Blackpool
- EFL League One play-offs: 2021{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57216464 |title=Blackpool 2–1 Lincoln City |website=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2021 |access-date=30 May 2021}}
Individual
- Rotherham United Young Player of the Year: 2015–16{{cite news|url=http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-united-grant-ward-3087763.aspx |title=Grant wins Young Player of the Year award|date=3 May 2016 |publisher=themillers.co.uk}}
- Rotherham United Goal of the Season: 2015–16: vs Burnley
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{Soccerway|grant-ward/276348}}
- {{soccerbase|id=81736}}
{{Bristol Rovers F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ward, Grant}}
Category:Footballers from the London Borough of Lewisham
Category:Black British sportsmen
Category:English men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players
Category:Chicago Fire FC players
Category:Coventry City F.C. players
Category:Rotherham United F.C. players
Category:Ipswich Town F.C. players
Category:Blackpool F.C. players
Category:Bristol Rovers F.C. players
Category:Major League Soccer players
Category:English Football League players
Category:English expatriate men's footballers
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States
Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in the United States