Player In Focus – Connor Ward

Tuesday’s Player in Focus is one of our senior players that wears his heart of his sleeve and all around great leader and clubman – goalkeeper Connor Ward.

With appearances for the Reserves and Firsts this season, how has it been for you so far?

“I’ve personally really enjoyed this season for many reasons but mainly for being given the opportunity and honour to represent both the reserves and first team to which has enabled me to be part of many great moments throughout the season and glad I could give my best to help both teams when called upon. I feel I’ve built a great relationship with my team mates and coaches and feel I’ve developed into a leadership figure at the club.”

Multiple man of the matches – how does this compare to last season?

“Receiving multiple Man of the Matches this season has been a proud achievement for me personally and for my development as a goalkeeper. I feel this season I’ve been playing the best of my ability due to finding enjoyment again for the sport to which I thank my team mates and coaches for.”

Has anything exceeded or fallen short of your expectations so far?

“Having played for the reserves for the last few seasons, I’ve seen us in our lowest moments scraping relegation by points but this season has definitely exceeded expectations. We’ve now progressed into a title challenging side by the way we’ve matured and developed as as a team. We’ve become a proper footballing side and become one of the highest goal scorers in the league to which the original players have become leaders and the additional talent brought in has also helped us win big games. Yes, we have fallen short this season in terms of winning the title and feel there has been some big points dropped but with us being such a young side it’s a learning curve and feel we will finish the season strong and definitely be the ones to watch next season! It’s an exciting project to be apart of.”

How has your progression been this season and what have you learned?

“I feel this season I’ve progressed into a leadership figure at the club, especially in the reserves being one of the oldest in the team at only the age of 30! I feel the younger lads can approach me anytime and hope my 24 years experience playing has helped us get over the line in difficult moments in games. I’ve had the honour in captaining the reserves in multiple games this season which has been a proud achievement, especially with r kid being captain for the first team.”

Semi final for the Reserves in the Stewart Rowe, huge occasion – what are your thoughts?

“Massive occasion! Words can’t explain how big this is for the club if we win this trophy. Us reserve players owe this to ourselves, Ethan, Chris and the club to bring this silverware home. Let’s give everything on that pitch on the 4th April and get to that final! Up the Poulton ❤️🖤.”