Stephen Ward (footballer)

Stephen Robert Ward (born 20 August 1985) is an Irish international footballer who plays as for English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is able to play in a variety of positions, namely left back, left midfield and as a striker.

Ward began his senior career with Bohemians in his native Ireland, before moving to English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2007. Featuring regularly, he was part of their promotion to the Premier League two years later and has remained a key part of the team since.

Club career

Early career

Born in Dublin Ireland, Ward grew up in Portmarnock and played schoolboy football for Home Farm and Portmarnock. Ward joined Dublin-based League of Ireland side Bohemians from Portmarnock in the summer of 2003. He scored twice on his debut as a substitute against Skerries Town in the FAI Cup on 15 August 2003. His form in Ireland attracted interest from various English sides. The 2006 season with Bohemians ended up being his last and he made a total of 93 appearances for the club, scoring 24 times.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

After a successful trial, Ward joined English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2007 on a two-and-a-half year deal. The fee, although undisclosed, was reported to be £100,000 - then a record for the League of Ireland.

Ward had a bright start to English football scoring three times in his first six games, earning him the Championship Player of the Month Award for February 2007; his first goal...
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