Ward has plenty to offer Phoenix

BY SAM WORTHINGTON

Nick Ward has joined the Wellington Phoenix and will meet his new team-mates in Perth ahead of Sunday night's clash with the top-of-the-table Glory.

Ward, 25, an attacking midfielder, fell out of favour with Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick but says he has plenty to offer the Phoenix after signing for the remainder of the 2010-11 A-League season.

"I don't know why, I've been playing well, training well but [Merrick] has obviously got his reasons and has been playing other people ahead of me," Ward said.

"I was looking to move on and the opportunity came up to play for Wellington. With all the success that New Zealand football has had, that attracted me to it as well."

Ward's arrival is likely to be bad news for Argentinian playmaker Toto, who was left out of the Phoenix squad for last Friday's 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar.

"The one thing that frustrated me when I was playing for the Victory is I would tend to get moved around and played out of position a lot," Ward said.

"So I'd definitely be looking to cement a spot as a central midfielder.

"I've always felt that's my best position and when I've played in that position I've played my best football."

Ward has some pedigree, winning the 2008-09 A-League with the Victory, representing Australia at age-group level, playing for Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship and being named the 2005-06 A-League young player of the year.

He is relishing the prospect of playing on the "top-notch" Westpac Stadium surface, with one proviso.

"I'm not sure about the wind and the rain and how that will go. I'll have to get a good jacket I think."

The Phoenix fly out to Perth today and Ward will hop on a plane from Melbourne and meet them there.

He is in contention for selection to play the Glory.

Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert said Ward's signing, which brings the squad to 21, would add depth to the midfield "in a more attacking role".

"He's the sort of midfielder who gets more advanced [up the pitch] and he has a great engine," Herbert said.

While Paul Ifill and Leo Bertos should be secure in their wide roles, the heat now goes on Vince Lia, Tim Brown, Daniel and Toto in the fight for minutes on the park.

"Each and every player at the club offers different qualities, hence the reason why we've sought to add depth to the squad," Herbert said.

"There's now a healthy competition for places and we must remember that, given the longer season, everyone will have ample opportunity to stake their claims."

At A Glance: Name: Nick Ward Born: March 24, 1985, in Perth, Australia Physical: 1.83m, 79kg Position: Attacking midfielder Club history: 2007-10 Melbourne Victory, 2007 Brighton and Hove Albion (loan), 2006-07 Queens Park Rangers, 2005-06 Perth Glory, 2004 Stirling Lions, 2003-04 Perth Glory A-League: 67 matches (46 for Melbourne Victory, 21 for Perth Glory) Representative: 2006-08 Australia under-23, 2004-05 Australia under-20

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