Experienced Republic of Ireland left-back Stephen Ward is currently training with Ipswich Town. Here’s what the Stoke Sentinel said about his 15 starts in the Championship last season.
CHARLTON 3 STOKE 1 (Aug 10)
“Replaced the unavailable (James) McClean at left-back and was keen enough to join in, but a pity his two efforts at goal failed to hit the bullseye. 5/10.”
BIRMINGHAM 2 STOKE 1 (Aug 31)
“Benefited from the change of system and comfortably held his own until Birmingham put the pressure on. 6/10.”
CRAWLEY 1 STOKE 1 (EFL Cup) (Sept 24)
“Found it more demanding than he might have anticipated on the City left and was struggling with a knock towards the end. 6/10.”
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 STOKE 0 (Oct 22)
“Came in for the ill Martins Indi at left back and didn’t do an awful lot wrong. 6/10.”
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STOKE 0 WEST BROM 2 (Nov 4)
“Back in the fold and at least tried at times to inject some enthusiasm and belief into Stoke’s attacking endeavours. 6/10.”
BARNSLEY 2 STOKE 4 (Nov 9)
“New boss (Michael O’Neill) clearly prefers left-backs at left-back and the Irish veteran was solid for the most part, but did escape possible foul in his own area. 7/10.”
STOKE 2 WIGAN 1 (Nov 23)
“Frequently got involved in Stoke’s better attacking action, now can the 34 year-old manage three games in a week? 6/10.”
CARDIFF 1 STOKE 0 (Nov 26)
“Persevered as an attacking presence from left-back and is giving little excuse to lose his place against the competition available. 6/10.”
STOKE 1 BLACKBURN 2 (Nov 30)
“He’s a trier when it comes to getting forward and that’s no mean feat after three games in seven days for the 34 year-old. 5/10.”
HULL 2 STOKE 1 (Dec 7)
“Capable on the left-hand side for the most part, but could offer little attacking wise when needed. 6/10.”
STOKE 3 LUTON 0 (Dec 10)
“Didn’t really notice him defensively, always a good sign, and tried to offer McClean some support going forward. 6/10.”
STOKE 0 READING 0 (Dec 14)
“Not afraid to get the ball into the box early from the left and no faulting his energy levels once again. 6/10.”
MIDDLESBROUGH 2 STOKE 1 (Dec 20)
“Some useful interventions before injury forced him off with around 20 to go. 5/10.”
STOKE 2 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 2 (Dec 26)
“Sound enough for the most part at left-back before being sacrificed in the late search for an equaliser. 6/10.”
FULHAM 1 STOKE 0 (Dec 29)
“Tough time trying to block off Fulham’s right-wing attacking threat and was withdrawn shortly before the break. 5/10.”
WIGAN 3 STOKE 0 (Jun 30)
“First start of 2020 and had a tough night trying to keep a handle on Kal Naismith. 4/10.”
SEASON RATING
“Came to Stoke from Burnley when Erik Pieters was going the other way and soon found himself as the only recognised senior left-back at the club. That didn’t always guarantee him a shirt. Only four wins in 15 league starts and bowed out after a 3-0 whitewash at Wigan. 5/10.”
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