Nick Ward Finds a New Club

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Nick Ward, who QPR yesterday announced was being released has signed with Australian club, Melbourne Victory.

MELBOURNE VICTORY - Victory strikes to Ward off challengers
Melbourne Victory has strengthened its squad with the signing of Australian attacking midfielder Nick Ward from English side Queens Park Rangers.

The 22 year old is contracted until June next year, ensuring he will feature in the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season and Victory’s 2008 AFC Champions League campaign.

Ward spent the inaugural Hyundai A-League season with Perth Glory, playing in every match, scoring five goals and claiming the Rising Star Award as the most outstanding Under 20 player.

The exciting youngster, who was a key player in the Qantas Under 23s recent qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, moved to QPR in August last year and also had a short stint on loan with Brighton.

Ward was also part of the Qantas Socceroos squad that defeated Bahrain in January 2006 and represented the Qantas Young Socceroos at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, where he scored in Australia’s opening match.

His QPR contract was terminated by mutual consent on Tuesday, allowing Ward to return to Australia and join Victory.

Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said the signing of Ward was a welcome addition as the club looks to boost itself back into the top four ahead of the Hyundai A-League Finals Series.

“We’re unbelievably pleased to secure Nick Ward for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season and for the upcoming 2008 AFC Champions League,” Cole said.

“Nick is a current Olyroo and was part of the team that qualified for next year’s Olympic Games.

“He was the best Under 20 player in the first Hyundai A-League season and is an exciting prospect for the club.

“He’s an energetic midfielder who can run from penalty area to penalty area and also scores goals. He’s a fantastic addition to our squad.” Melbourne Victory

Fox -Ward signs with Victory

December 05, 2007 STRUGGLING Melbourne Victory have received a much-needed boost to their A-League title defence, signing Olyroos midfielder Nick Ward for the rest of the season.

Attacking midfielder Ward has been playing with English lower league clubs Queens Park Rangers and Brighton with mixed success since starring in the inaugural A-League season with Perth Glory.

But the 22-year-old was out of favour at QPR and has decided to return to Australia to revive his stalled career, and perhaps with it the Victory's similarly stalled season.

He has signed with the Victory until June next year, which will allow him to play the rest of the A-League season and the Victory's Asian Champions League campaign which starts in March.

Victory football operations manager Gary Cole said Ward was a welcome addition as the club looked to hoist themselves back into finals contention after a dismal season to date.

”He was the best under 20 player in the first Hyundai A-League season and is an exciting prospect for the club,'' Cole said.

”He's an energetic midfielder who can run from penalty area to penalty area and also scores goals.''

Ward's favoured role is in the Victory's problem position - as a link man between the midfield and the strikers.

Melbourne have struggled to provide consistent service and back-up for strikers Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp from deep, with the Victory only scoring 14 goals in 15 games this season.

Ward arrives at a critical time for the Victory, who are two wins adrift of the top four with six matches remaining and must win most of their remaining matches to have any hope of making the finals.

Ward's contract with QPR was terminated by mutual consent on Monday, freeing him to join the Victory.

His signing comes too late for him to play in the Victory's clash with Adelaide United on Saturday night.

But the club hopes to have his paperwork through in time for the Victory's home match against Newcastle the following week, and he is likely to arrive in Australia early next week. Fox Sport

- QPR Release Nick Ward