Peterborough United have made their first signing of the January window.
Posh have splashed out an undisclosed fee to sign a pacy winger who was “lively” when he played and scored against Posh in the FA Cup earlier this season.
Joe Ward has signed from non-league side Woking for whom he only signed in the summer of 2017!
Prior to joining the Cards, Ward joined Lincoln City on loan in January 2017 from his parent club Brighton and Hove Albion. He scored three goals in the Imps` FA Trophy run and also figured in their famous FA Cup campaign, including playing against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. His loan at Sincil Bank was cut short by injury.
He originally started his career at Chelmsford City, making over 40 appearances, before signing for Brighton and Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee in summer 2015. He made four appearances for the Seagulls in the EFL Trophy before joining the Imps on loan.
The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a two and a half year contract at the ABAX Stadium and leaves the Cards after featuring 32 times this season, scoring seven goals.
With Gwion Edwards out injured for 2-3 months, it appears Ward has been brought in as a direct replacement.
Speaking to the official Posh website, Posh boss Grant McCann said: “I think it is a great signing for this football club. He brings pace, energy and can go past people both ways. He has scored a few goals already this season and was excellent against us in the FA Cup, especially in the first game at their place. He is a lad that I have been aware of for about a year now. I have kept a close eye on his progress, watching his development and am delighted to get him on board.
“He earned a move to Brighton with his form in non-league, has had a loan spell at Lincoln and did well there. He wanted to play regular football and he took the opportunity in the National League and credit to him for that. It has taken a while to get this deal done and that is because Woking have been so reluctant to let him go.
“I am really pleased that the chairman and Barry could get the deal done and the boy was very keen to come. He has been looking at places to live already and bringing his girlfriend down to have a look around, he wants to get started and he is ready to go. With Gwion Edwards out for a couple of months, we are short in wide areas.
“To be honest, even if Gwion was okay, Joe would have been signed – it gives us competition. He is coming here to push Marcus Maddison and Danny Lloyd and others. He can also play as a number 10 or up front so he brings versatility to us as well,” McCann said.
Ward was obviously delighted to get the deal done and get back into the Football League saying: “When I heard about the interest from Peterborough, I was keen to sign. I have got good people around me, they have been great in getting the deal done and I cannot wait to get started. Peterborough are a side that like to attack and that suits me.
“I watched the game in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night and obviously I played against the club in the FA Cup so I know about the club. It is a good opportunity for me and I am looking forward to it,” Ward said.
Ward will be available for Saturday`s Sky Bet League One trip to leaders Wigan Athletic.
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