Ward's Three Years In Leicester
The Wales international, who impressed for his nation at the delayed UEFA EURO 2020 tournament this summer, has been a useful figure for Leicester City over the past three seasons, notably featuring on several occasions during the Foxes' triumphant Emirates FA Cup run last term.
Ward started his career at his local club, Wrexham A.F.C., and was swiftly snapped up by Liverpool – under the management of Brendan Rodgers – in 2012.
Still a youngster, loan spells at Morecambe and Aberdeen followed for the talented shot-stopper before a debut during a 2-1 Premier League victory at AFC Bournemouth in April 2016, which was later followed by a further run out in a 3-1 win over Swansea City.
A loan stint at Huddersfield Town was where Ward truly made a name for himself as his 46 appearances – including penalty shootout heroics in both the semi-finals and final of the Sky Bet Championship play-offs – helped the Terriers book their first-ever promotion to the Premier League.
Ward would join City in the summer of 2018, meanwhile, and he has become renowned as a trustworthy pair of hands, especially in cup competitions. His Foxes debut came in 4-0 Carabao Cup Second Round win over Fleetwood Town before saving three penalties in the third round shootout win at Wolves.
More appearances followed in 2019/20, in both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, as Leicester reached the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, before he starred in FA Cup successes over Brentford and Brighton last term. The Foxes would eventually lift the trophy for the first time in May 2021.
He was also there to appear in the UEFA Europa League as Rodgers' men defeated AEK Athens to secure top spot in Group G. This summer, on the other hand, Ward earned widespread acclaim as Wales emerged through their group to reach the first knockout phase of EURO 2020.
As the 28-year-old heads into his fourth campaign with the Foxes, Ward has secured his first piece of silverware at the Club and impressed greatly on the international stage.
After agreeing a new contract at King Power Stadium back in April, the experienced 'keeper said: “It’s a brilliant atmosphere. We all push each other on. Whether it’s an Under-18s goalkeeper or myself and Kasper [Schmeichel], we’re all a tight-knit group.
“Us goalies, we spend a lot of time in each other’s company away from everybody else, so it’s a strong connection between all of us. It’s a highly competitive training environment and we’re obviously always there for the younger boys to offer any advice to them as well.
“It’s a really good feeling. I had a really good feeling the first time around when I signed and, luckily, we’ve been able to grow together as a club and as a team. I’m really excited for what lies ahead. Even in my short time here, you can see in terms of facilities alone, the step up has been incredible.”