3/1 To Win
Derby County today announced that Peterborough United’s versatile right-sider Joe Ward will join the club on a three-year contract from 1st July 2023.
Ward, who can play as a winger, full-back or wing-back, was announced the Rams’ first permanent signing under Head Coach Paul Warne with Rotherham United goalkeeper Josh Vickers following soon afterwards.
He joins the Rams having made over 200 appearances for the Posh, during which time he helped them to promotion from League One in 2020/21, but he is now relishing his new challenge in Derbyshire.
Speaking to RamsTV after putting pen to paper, Ward says a move to Pride Park Stadium is a ‘massive opportunity’ for him and one he simply couldn’t turn down.
On how it feels to sign for Derby County…
It’s unbelievable. Since the interest came about it was always a massive opportunity for me and I’m delighted to get it over the line and make it happen.
On how Paul Warne has been with him…
He’s been really good. Our first chat is what did it for me. As soon as I came here and met him, I knew it was the place for me. His plans of what the next few years could look like are very exciting and I want to be a part of it.
The main aim is to get into the Championship and we’re looking to give everything we can to get there. I really want to be a part of it.
On what it takes to win promotion to the Championship having done so at Peterborough previously…
You need a good team, a good group. Everyone needs to want the same thing and give everything to try and make it happen.
On whether it was a difficult decision to leave Peterborough…
Yes and no. It’s been a great club for me and I’ve progressed there over the years. They took me out of non-league football and I’ll always respect them for that but it’s a new challenge for me and a new chapter for me and my family. It’s a massive club here and I’m just looking forward to being part of that.
On what it’s been like playing at Pride Park Stadium in the past…
It’s unbelievable. The atmosphere has been electric when I’ve played here. The fans are magnificent and the stadium is one of a kind at this level. It’s just extremely exciting.
