I think this move makes a lot of sense as a stop gap. Could allow Galbraith to return to midfield if Key is out for a while, may allow for a 3 at the back (with Ward playing RCB), may see us upgrade on Santos (who is allegedly off to Reading? - could be an additional PSR bonus here), adds some extra experience in the dressing room...
Saw someone comment somewhere (maybe even here?) that Palace might see him as a positive influence on Rak-Sakyi too, which may help with that signing.
I don't have strong feelings about this, but I'm not convinced this solves the right back issue. He surely isn't more than backup to Key. I assume the intention is to get Key back as our first choice right back, enabling Galbraith to revert to midfield. Ward is more likely to play at centre back I would have thought, taking Santos' place in the pecking order.
We will probably see the intentions more clearly before the end of the window. If Key resumes at right back against Birmingham that will be significant.
Don't get me wrong, we need a starting-calibre RB, but the club clearly feels like the market for that wasn't feasible in this window.
I see Ward as Key's backup. We haven't had a proper backup for Key this season: Parker has had a few injuries and I'm still not convinced that he's a RB long term. Galbraith has been class at RB, but we all know he's at his best in midfield.
That being said, Key was pictured on crutches after the WBA game and I've not yet seen an update on that. If he's out injured for a while, having a recognised senior RB is a must. I'll take Ward for 6 months.
I hope he's seen as a somewhat more versatile centre back replacement for Santos. If he gets much game time at right back, chances are we will regret not getting a genuine right back in. Let's see how the rest of the window pans out.
Imo it doesn't make sense spending money we don't have this window with lissah doing so well the summer window gives us more time to move key on being lissah in and or a new RB. This for me is a perfect stop gap signing strengthening 2 positions until the summer where we can do more business whilst giving lissah more time to develop on loan.
That all depends on how ready Ward is to step in. Encouraging to hear he's been training with Palace and hasn't had lengthy injuries in his career. I guess we will just have to trust the judgement of the recruitment team on this. Apart from a bit of an (understandable) gamble on Idah, recent signings make sense. That doesn't mean all will work out, but that's always the case. At least there's a sound rationale for all the summer's signings, so I'm willing to park my skepticism on Ward.
Form listening to his interview he seems to be someone who can't sit still has tried to remain fit and as you said has been training with palace, between that and his time playing at the top level id be more than confident that he's ready to go in the championship he's probably not 100% match fit but I'm sure he's got plenty to offer in rotation or off the bench.
I'm still gutted we didn't put the amount of money we did for idah towards a contract for mcburnie I'm sure if we matched or bettered hulls offer we could have secured him. I was more than confident he'd regain his past form in the championship idah needs a big second season if he lasts that long.
Yea I heard that too but it shouldn't have stopped us atleast trying money talks in football if wed offered him idahs transfer money 6m over 3 years that's without idahs wages I'm sure we could have tempted him as he's rumoured to be on around 25k a week just under 4 mil over 3 years.
Having watched the video on the official site I'm feeling more positive about this signing. Clearly a good egg, and that alone will be invaluable in a young dressing room.
He should be valuable right away as a locker room presence, with all his experience.
The rumours were true!
I think this move makes a lot of sense as a stop gap. Could allow Galbraith to return to midfield if Key is out for a while, may allow for a 3 at the back (with Ward playing RCB), may see us upgrade on Santos (who is allegedly off to Reading? - could be an additional PSR bonus here), adds some extra experience in the dressing room...
Saw someone comment somewhere (maybe even here?) that Palace might see him as a positive influence on Rak-Sakyi too, which may help with that signing.
I don't have strong feelings about this, but I'm not convinced this solves the right back issue. He surely isn't more than backup to Key. I assume the intention is to get Key back as our first choice right back, enabling Galbraith to revert to midfield. Ward is more likely to play at centre back I would have thought, taking Santos' place in the pecking order.
We will probably see the intentions more clearly before the end of the window. If Key resumes at right back against Birmingham that will be significant.
Don't get me wrong, we need a starting-calibre RB, but the club clearly feels like the market for that wasn't feasible in this window.
I see Ward as Key's backup. We haven't had a proper backup for Key this season: Parker has had a few injuries and I'm still not convinced that he's a RB long term. Galbraith has been class at RB, but we all know he's at his best in midfield.
That being said, Key was pictured on crutches after the WBA game and I've not yet seen an update on that. If he's out injured for a while, having a recognised senior RB is a must. I'll take Ward for 6 months.
I hope he's seen as a somewhat more versatile centre back replacement for Santos. If he gets much game time at right back, chances are we will regret not getting a genuine right back in. Let's see how the rest of the window pans out.
I can't remember where it was mentioned, perhaps a pre-match presser, but I expect Key to be back soon. Possibly on Sunday.
Happy with this he covers 2 positions and brings bags of experience and leadership, Should be good for rotation and off the bench.
https://www.swanseacity.com/news/swansea-city-complete-signing-joel-ward
Talks about his versatility but only specifically mentions right back. Doesn't sound promising that we're looking at other first choice right backs.
Imo it doesn't make sense spending money we don't have this window with lissah doing so well the summer window gives us more time to move key on being lissah in and or a new RB. This for me is a perfect stop gap signing strengthening 2 positions until the summer where we can do more business whilst giving lissah more time to develop on loan.
That all depends on how ready Ward is to step in. Encouraging to hear he's been training with Palace and hasn't had lengthy injuries in his career. I guess we will just have to trust the judgement of the recruitment team on this. Apart from a bit of an (understandable) gamble on Idah, recent signings make sense. That doesn't mean all will work out, but that's always the case. At least there's a sound rationale for all the summer's signings, so I'm willing to park my skepticism on Ward.
Form listening to his interview he seems to be someone who can't sit still has tried to remain fit and as you said has been training with palace, between that and his time playing at the top level id be more than confident that he's ready to go in the championship he's probably not 100% match fit but I'm sure he's got plenty to offer in rotation or off the bench.
I'm still gutted we didn't put the amount of money we did for idah towards a contract for mcburnie I'm sure if we matched or bettered hulls offer we could have secured him. I was more than confident he'd regain his past form in the championship idah needs a big second season if he lasts that long.
I’m sure I heard Mcburnie wanted to move up north for family reasons, and money wasn’t the deciding factor. If so that’s fair enough.
Yea I heard that too but it shouldn't have stopped us atleast trying money talks in football if wed offered him idahs transfer money 6m over 3 years that's without idahs wages I'm sure we could have tempted him as he's rumoured to be on around 25k a week just under 4 mil over 3 years.
Having watched the video on the official site I'm feeling more positive about this signing. Clearly a good egg, and that alone will be invaluable in a young dressing room.
Lovey signing! Any other signing rumours we could be getting?