Joe Ward (footballer, born 1995)

After initially featuring for the Chelmsford City youth sides whilst on a BTEC scholarship scheme, Ward made his debut for the club during their 6–0 home victory over Farnborough in the 2012–13 campaign at the age of 16.[3] On 30 November 2013, Ward scored on his first start for Chelmsford City, once again against Farnborough, in a 3–1 win.[4] On 23 April 2014, Ward scored the goal to save Chelmsford City from relegation from the Conference South in a 1–0 win over Gosport Borough.[5] In his final campaign at Chelmsford, Ward netted eleven times, including six goals during their impressive FA Cup run,[6] in which they reached the fourth qualifying round before being knocked out by Barnet.

In 2013 he spent time on loan with Stanway Rovers, making six league appearances.[7]

Following trials with both West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion in summer 2015,[8] Brighton & Hove Albion signed Ward on a development contract on 3 June 2015.[9]

After failing to break through into the first-team squad, Ward was sent out on loan to National League side Lincoln City on a one-month basis in January 2017.[10] A day later, he made his debut during Lincoln's FA Trophy second-round victory over Gateshead, playing the entire 90 minutes in the 3–1 triumph.[11] In the following round, Ward netted twice during Lincoln's 3–1 away victory against Welling United.[12] Six days later, Ward's loan spell was extended for a further two months following some impressive form, especially in their FA Trophy campaign.[13]

On 21 June 2017, Ward signed for National League club Woking on a two-year deal following his release from Brighton & Hove Albion.[14]

On the opening day of the 2017–18 campaign, Ward netted in Woking's 2–1 home victory over Gateshead, sealing the winner in the 44th minute.[15] Ward went onto net five more times during their league campaign, including goals against Torquay United, Macclesfield Town, Maidstone United, AFC Fylde and Dover Athletic.[16] Following this impressive form, Ward received his first call-up to the England C squad, in which he featured for 45 minutes during their 4–0 International Challenge Trophy final defeat against Slovakia U23s.[17] During Woking's impressive FA Cup run, Ward netted the Cards' equaliser in their second round tie against League One side Peterborough United.[18]

On 10 January 2018, Ward joined League One side Peterborough United following his impressive performances against them, on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.[19] Three days later, Ward made his debut for Peterborough, as well as his Football League debut, in a 0–0 draw with Wigan Athletic, replacing Michael Doughty in the 68th minute.[20] Following an impressive 2020–21 season, Ward was named in the 2020–21 EFL League One Team of the Season at the league's annual awards ceremony.[21]

He was offered a new three-year contract at the end of the 2022–23 season.[22]

In June 2023 it was announced that he would sign for Derby County on 1 July 2023, on a three-year contract.[23] Ward made his Derby debut in a 2–1 defeat to Wigan Athletic on 5 August 2023.[24] Ward impressed with his performances in a difficult to the 2023–24 season for Derby,[25] however Ward picked up a heel injury in Derby's match against Oxford United on 15 August 2023[26] which ruled him out of action for eight weeks.[27][28]