Former Crystal Palace favourite described as 'incredible' set to sign for Championship club

A Crystal Palace favourite looks to have found a new club after a spell out of the game. Joel Ward spent 13 years at Selhurst Park, racking up 330 league appearances and many more across other competitions.

The hard-working defender was promoted with Palace in 2013 and also won the FA Cup as part of last season’s squad.

At age 35, Ward was released by Palace at the end of his contract in the summer, and having since turned 36, it has been tricky for him to find a new club. But his wait looks to be over, with a new club offering Ward to stay in the game.

According to BBC Sport, Championship club Swansea City are set to sign Ward on a deal until the end of the season. The Swans are currently in 17th place and eight points above the bottom three.

Ward will provide competition at full-back and centre-back, with the report claiming Swansea are in particular need of depth at right-back.

Ward’s emotional goodbye

When Ward left Palace in the summer, Palace chief Steve Parish said: “From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club: open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.

“Simply put, over the course of 13 years’ service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him: in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride. This is a great time to celebrate Joel's achievements and reflect on many great memories here with a truly treasured player and friend. Good luck, Joel, with your next adventure – and thank you.”

Ward himself added: “For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club. It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.

“Obviously, I came from somewhere else. But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family. This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely a ‘see you later”

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