Wrexham’s search for new signings continues as Phil Parkinson considers a deal to bring goalkeeper Danny Ward back to the STōK Cae Ras.
Wrexham fans are keen to see exciting new additions arrive this summer, but few would have gone with a new goalkeeper as an early priority.
Arthur Okonkwo enjoyed another brilliant season and backup goalkeeper Callum Burton impressed before picking up an injury.
Mark Howard’s exit and the releases of Liam Hall and Brad Foster meant another goalkeeper could be in mind, especially with the role of Luke McNicholas somewhat unclear.
Few would have expected Danny Ward to be the man for Wrexham, but a deal could be on the cards.
Wrexham are reportedly in talks to sign Ward on a free transfer after seeing Leicester City release the goalkeeper.
Joey Jones backed Danny Ward for great success
Ward was a top young talent at Wrexham, but he never actually made a first-team appearance for the club.
Liverpool pounced to sign Ward as a youngster in 2012, with the Reds spotting his potential early on.
Ward couldn’t quite make the breakthrough with Liverpool, but he impressed on loan at Aberdeen and Huddersfield Town.
Ward helped Huddersfield win promotion to the Premier League and was then backed to shine by Joey Jones.
If there is anybody we will listen to, it’s Joey Jones; a Wrexham and Liverpool hero who has seen it all and done it all.
Jones told ESPN that Ward was a ‘smashing lad’ as he made his rise at Wrexham, even if he was ‘a bit of a loose cannon’.
Jones saw shades of Neville Southall in Ward’s game at a young age, especially with his feet.
Ward was described as being able to mix being serious with having a laugh on the training ground, with Jones ultimately confident that he would have a fine career after his Huddersfield performances.
“He’s a smashing lad,” said Jones.
“He does remind me a lot of Neville Southall. He’s a bit of a loose cannon at times – and I think I told him that when he was with us. Neville is one of them that could play, make great saves and had great feet. That’s the way [Danny] is, he had decent feet as well. He probably could have played outfield. When he played outfield in the small-sided games, he didn’t look out of place.
“We used to have shots at Neville for Wales and he says: ‘Go on have a shot at me and I won’t use my hands’. Danny is a bit like that, and I think there’s always a place in the game for people like Danny. They say goalkeepers are a bit mad and I think he is. [Danny] got a good character. I think he likes a laugh and a joke at the right time, but he can be serious and takes his football seriously. I have no doubt he’ll go on to have a great career in football.
“The unfortunate thing for Wrexham was that he never played for our first team because Liverpool bought him. I wasn’t surprised Liverpool came calling. I had no doubt that he would go on and play. At Wrexham, we’re very proud of what he’s achieved. We have played a small part along the way but it’s, ultimately, down to Danny,” he added.
Danny Ward’s career just hasn’t taken off
Eight years on from Ward helping Huddersfield win promotion, the shot-stopper finds himself without a club and considering a return to Wrexham.
Jones saw the talent in Ward but he found himself stuck behind Alisson in the Liverpool pecking order upon returning from Huddersfield.
Leicester City signed Ward in 2018, but it was a similar story there as he spent more of his time offering cover for Kasper Schmeichel.
By the time Ward’s big chance came in 2022 following Schmeichel’s exit, he had only played one league game in five years after winning promotion with Huddersfield.
Ward’s run in the Leicester side didn’t exactly go to plan as he failed to find his best form before Leicester snapped up a new goalkeeper in Mads Hermansen.
A lack of playing time over the years has impacted Ward’s development and, frankly, it’s difficult to see him usurping Okonkwo in the Wrexham XI even if he does sign.
Ward could return to Wrexham some 13 years after leaving and would hope to play a key role in his hometown club’s rise – even if he again finds himself on the bench.