The Newcastle Jets have signed Nick Ward as an injury replacement for the remainder of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
The Newcastle Jets are pleased to announce the signing of Nick Ward as an injury replacement for the remainder of the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season.
Ward joins the Jets- squad as cover for defender Scott Neville, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the Jets- 2-1 win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park in Round 9.
Ward has made 135 Hyundai A-League appearances for Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix and most recently Perth Glory.
The 28-year-old said he was pleased to be joining the Jets and was excited by the Club-s potential going forward.
“This offer from the Jets came up and I thought it was a great opportunity for me to get back playing in the A-League at a Club that-s heading in a promising direction,” Ward said.
“I watched the game against Brisbane and I thought the boys played very well. They were very structured and took their chances well.
“It-s a great opportunity for me to come into a young squad and hopefully I can bring some of my experience into the mix and help the team do well for the rest of the season.”
After finishing his contract with Perth Glory at the end of the 2012/13 Hyundai A-League season, Ward has maintained his fitness levels training with Sydney FC.
The former Olyroo said he felt ready to play if called upon.
“I-ve been keeping myself fit training at Sydney FC for the past month, so I would say the only thing missing at the moment is my match fitness, but you can only really get that from playing games,” Ward said.
“Knowing that I-ve signed until the end of the season gives me a chance not to have to rush things, so I can get my match fitness up and hopefully get some good form going.”
Jets CEO Robbie Middleby said the signing of Ward would add further depth to the Jets- squad.
“It-s unfortunate that we-ve lost Scott Neville for the rest of the season, but now Nick has an opportunity to come in and show what he can do,” Middleby said.
“Nick is a versatile player who can fill a number of positions across the park and he has plenty of experience playing in the A-League, which is an important factor for us as well.”
