BWFC_Insane wrote:
I'm still unconvinced by Ward. Clearly a good striker of the ball and he's got a nice touch. But I think he lacks pace to play on the left in the premiership. He's basically a striker playing out wide so he's not in the up and down wide midfielder mode of a Matt Taylor, though he clearly works hard. But considering he's at that level, he looked good but not outstanding. And if he was likely to make an impact in the premiership you'd expect him to shine out like a beacon at league one level, and for me he just didn't!
He's 20, which makes him of comparative age to a number of lads who played for the reserves the other day against United (other than people like Vela who's about 8 ). He's miles further along than any of them.
He's been out on loan twice to League One in two seasons, he's scored important goals, become a fans favourite and reached the play-off final. He's done all that can be asked of him. The idea that he should be standing out like Messi, or even that he should be expected to walk into our first team at this stage, is bollocks.
We've played League 1 sides (and below) numerous times in recent years, and not once have our expensive Premier League players strolled 'round them like they're playing Fifa on 'Easy'. It's a good quality league, as evidenced by the fact last season's Champions will be playing Premier League football next season (the other two finished 7th and 9th).
He does need to move up now though, whether it be on loan in the Championship or on our bench.