Gavin John Ward (born 30 June 1970 in Sutton Coldfield, England) is a footballer who plays in the position of goalkeeper. He is currently Player/Assistant Manager at Gainsborough Trinity after leaving Zamaretto League side Hednesford Town^[1].

[edit] Playing career

Ward made his football league debut in 1989 at Cardiff City after spells with Aston Villa, Shrewsbury Town and West Bromwich Albion.It was after a spell playing for Non League Droylsden that he joined Cardiff City^[2] He made over 60 league and cup appearances for Cardiff in four seasons before moving to Leicester City for a transfer fee of £175,000 in 1993,^[2] where he help them to win promotion to the Premier League in 1994.^[3] After leaving Leicester he had a short spell at Bradford City (who went on to win promotion from Division Two shortly after he left) before Bolton Wanderers paid £300,000 for his services in 1996, allowing Ward to again taste top-flight action.

In June 2006, after spells at several other clubs including Preston North End and Coventry City he signed a one year contract with Tranmere Rovers.

Ward made a bright start to the 2006-07, even managing to score a goal, which came from a free kick just outside his box in the 9th minute against Leyton Orient on 2 September 2006. ^[4]

He was released by Tranmere in May 2007 (having been sent off in his final match against Crewe Alexandra) and made the short journey to Chester'^[5] where he was reserve and coach to John Danby. Ward's only competitive appearance for Chester was as a half-time substitute for the injured Danby against Crewe Alexandra in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on 4 September 2007, with Chester going on to win a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. On 8 January 2008, Ward moved to arch-rivals Wrexham on a free transfer. ^[6] He played in over 50 matches for the club before being released at the end of the 2008–09 season.^[7]

As of 8 January 2008 Ward has played 384 first-class matches in all competitions, 323 of them being in the league.

[edit] Career statistics

[edit] Honours

Bolton Wanderers

• Division One champions, 1996–97.

Leicester City

• Division One play-off winners, 1993–94.

Stoke City

• Auto Windscreens Shield winners, 1999–2000.

Cardiff City

• Division Three Champions, 1992–93.
• Welsh F.A Cup Winners, 1992–93

[edit] External links

• Gavin Ward career stats at Soccerbase
• Gavin Ward profile at Wrexham F.C. official site.

[edit] References