Never seen him play, so very hard to know what to make of him
but
one thing if he has a poor first touch that is a big problem in Defence or in midfield. You can coach a player on positioning and decision making (eg Edwards) but too late at his age to help him improve his first touch

Hi,

Pompey fan here. Spotted this thread and thought I would give my opinion for what it is worth.
Ward is a local lad and is a real grafter, he also scored the equaliser against the not so noisy neighbours up the road and for that alone won the hearts of pompey fans. Would be sad to see any of the 3 players often touted as leaving (Ward, Pearce & Henderson) but if there was to be one then for me it would be Ward. He generally plays right midfield but has played pretty much anywhere this season as needs dictated, this is part of the problem with Ward - he doesn't have a settled position that he can develop in and maybe this has held him back. He has no real pace, so him playing the wings offers limited benefit to the team. Would be really sad if we lost Pearce or Henderson - Pearce is a quality centre back who will go on to bigger things I am sure. Henderson likewise - joined us while 3rd choice for Bristol City and hasn't looked back since, now established first choice and have no doubt will go onto be a very decent keeper and destined for a much bigger club.
If Ward joins, you will get a player that always gives 100%, he will do a fair job for you but ultimately is limited in ability. On the other hand we can offer you an excellent striker in Kitson, equally hard working and can score goals in abundance ;-)

As much as I want a quick and committed player at Ipswich, I think watching Spanish and Portuguese teams in Europe this week has highlighted the importance of having a great first touch. If he doesn't have this at 22 then it is doubtful this can be taught as it's something that should be taught/nurtured (or come naturally) from a young age.

From what I've read Ward started out as a centre back then moved to right back so I bet he's extremely solid defensively. Seems strange that a full back would be pushed forward into midfield if he didn't have a good first touch but maybe Portsmouth's small squad gave the manager no choice. Anyway, this guy is best mates with Jason Pearce so he should help lure him to Portman Road!!!

BowBoy, you are right, thanks for pointing that out. Certainly makes me feel a bit better about the lad but as I said I have never seen him play. COYB

I dont think you can slate him for being loyal and certainly not for turning down poor wages here however if he is just coming now because he has no other option it would be a poor decision. And i feel it is a sad indication of this clubs decline that we can only get players on that basis

If he signs on loan with a view to a permanent deal in the summer, how does that stand with the administrators? Wont all bets be off when the doors are closed at Pompey, so by the summer we have no legs to stand on. Sorry for the cliche's. :(

Would be a good signing - as long as the permanent deal is agreed, signed and sealed.

is he any better than we have now? will he add anything to our current squad? (pace, skill).....not convinced!

All this talk about Henderson....he's an average keeper IMO.

Anyone thought about looking at the Rangers squad? And especially at a certain Neil Alexander? One of the best 'keepers we've had here in many a year and we'd surely get him on the cheap plus he may well have fond memories of us as we never stood in the way to his dream move to Rangers....

Pearce, Henderson and Ward were supposed to be the future for Pompey and if you read the Pompey forums they are rated by the Fratton fans. Of the 3 I would defintely take Ward who can play either at right back or in midfield. He is young has energy and gives his all for the cause. Wasn't too impressive against us at Fratton but put in a tremendous shift when Pompey drew at Leicester. I personally would be happy to have him. Henderson has recently won 2 player of the match awards and is also still young - would not be adverse to him either as will be better than anything we have at present.

dscobie...thanks for the honest post mate, really feel for you fans at portsmouth right now. We were mugged when we had to sell some of our players when we went into administration, i hope we treat you fairly, if we get some of your players.
I really hope you survive..

Seems to be taking a long time again which is ominous, was going to talk to Watford as well so has he opted to go elsewhere ?

Nothing more being said in Portsmouth so not to sure whether it is happening or not, the administrator has suggested that others may have to leave but maybe the money promised by the FL has helped ease the imediate crisis. Our loans out so far have only been to the end of season so I am a little surprised that this rumour is with a commitment to buy in the summer.
Thanks for the words Dissboyitfc - difficult times, difficult decisions. We don't like it but the survival of the club overides any feelings for players.

I have to agree 100% with "bergholtblue". Scott Loach has to be our number 1 target if we are seriously looking for a decent keeper + I beleive his contract is up at the end of the season. Quality keeper who's gone on record saying that he would love to play for the blue boys. If we nick him on a freebie I wouldn't of thought that he would demand high wages so it's a no brainer!!!!

The club deny any such talks and say they have not made any contact with Portsmouth so beginning to think this is just another non story with no substance