Pre-Match Thoughts: Ward Feeling 'Full Of Confidence' Ahead Of Opening Day

Joe Ward says he is feeling ‘full of confidence’ ahead of what is set to be his competitive Derby County debut this weekend.

Derby’s 2023/24 Sky Bet League One campaign will get underway on home turf against Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).

Ward, who moved to Pride Park Stadium in the summer from fellow Sky Bet League One side Peterborough United in June, has quickly settled into life with the Rams.

He registered three assists during pre-season, two for striker James Collins, and impressed in the right wing-back role for Paul Warne’s side.

Ward spoke to RamsTV ahead of the clash with the Latics to discuss how he’s settling into life with Derby, his reflections on pre-season and his determination to get off to a positive start to the campaign.

Looking ahead to Saturday…

I am excited, really excited. It has been a tough pre-season, but we’re in the final bit of it now and the focus this week has been on preparing for Saturday. Hopefully Pride Park is bouncing for this one.

On pre-season itself…

It has been a high-demand pre-season. It has been a new challenge, but everyone has come through it really well. We’re feeling and looking fit so hopefully we can take it into the season. The games have been good over the last month and we’ve tried to implement the plans and tactics from the staff, which is the most important thing.

On settling in after his summer move…

I feel like I have been here for a year already. I have moved to the area and everyone has made me feel really welcome. All the lads and the staff have been brilliant. We’re forming bonds and gelling already and there’s a good feeling around the club and the changing room. Hopefully we can start off well.

On how he’s feeling…

I feel full of confidence personally and that’s what this place has done to me. I am feeling settled, I can see what the club means to everyone, and that has meant I can concentrate on the football and I am striving to start the season well. The fans are going to be massive for us this season and I can’t wait to play in front of them.

On the target for the team…

We all want promotion; we want to be champions. We won’t settle for anything less so we will give it everything. We’ve been pushed in pre-season, as hard as we can be, so hopefully we will see the benefits of that.