Noel Ward - Player Profile

Noel Gerard Ward was born on the 8^th December 1952 in Donemana in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Ward started his career at Derry City helping the club reach the final of the 1970–71 Irish Cup, but his team was ultimately defeated 3-0 by Distillery. Following Derry's withdrawal from the Irish League Ward moved to Portadown in 1972. He played in the 1972–73 Gold Cup final, which Portadown lost 2–0 against Linfield.

Ward joined Aberdeen in 1974, but made only seven first team appearances in two seasons for the club. He then signed for Wigan Athletic in 1976, making over 100 appearances for the club, and helping Wigan gain election to the Football League in 1978.                                    

In 1979, Ward broke his leg in a match against Portsmouth, an injury which prematurely ended his career.                                     

Prior to the injury Noel was receiving rave reviews for his no nonsense defending and had caught the eye of Danny Blachflower and was awarded a three-day trial at Chelsea. Noel was also pushing hard for inclusion in the Northern Ireland team.                                                                                                   

Noel never fully recovered from his injury and despite playing in a number of friendlies and turning out for local side non-league side Ashton Town he was never to be able to fulfil his potential.                                                                                                                               

Noel was a popular member of the dressing room and never shirked a challenge whether that was sliding in to clear a dangerous cross or grabbing the gloves to take over in goal when the regular keeper was injured. He also was a constant threat in the opposition box with his power in the air a real asset from set pieces.                                                      

In 1982, he was awarded a testimonial match by Wigan, which was played against Chelsea. Noel is still a regular visitor to Wigan and remains a fan of the Latics.