PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Ward eager to build on positive Rams results

Joe Ward says there’s a ‘good feeling’ in the Derby County squad after a positive few weeks on the pitch - but knows there’s plenty more hard work ahead.

Derby have won their last three Sky Bet Championship fixtures, with the most recent being the impressive 3-1 success at Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.

Ward made his first league start of 2025 at Bramall Lane and played a key role in the victory at right-wing back, putting in an excellent corner delivery for Carlton Morris to nod home the first of his three goals against the Blades.

The Rams’ focus is now on Tuesday night’s home fixture against Hull City in the side’s final week of action leading up to the November international break.

Ward sat down with RamsTV on Monday morning ahead of training to look ahead to Tuesday’s meeting with the Tigers under the Pride Park floodlights (7:45pm kick-off).

On the win at Sheffield United…

It was a brilliant performance. It was going to be a tough game at a difficult place to go to. We were well-drilled and well-prepared.

On coming into the side for his first Championship start of 2025 and making an impact…

It has been a long time coming. I feel I have worked as hard as I could and that I’m in a good place. I was really happy when I got told I was starting. It was a pleasing performance, and it was nice to contribute. I knew it was massively important to be ready when called upon. The lads that aren’t involved in the squad or starting are just as important, because you could need to come on at any time to try and help the team in various circumstances. The gaffer has stressed it a lot, that you have to be doing the right things and be ready at all times to help yourself and the team. I pride myself on doing as much as I can to be ready, because there is always time when you’ll be called upon.

On Carlton Morris following his hat-trick…

He is unbelievable; he has been amazing. He has come in and done what he has done, scored goals and been a real handful for the opposition. It is great to have him up top as he is a massive target to hit and he can bring everyone into play. Fair play to him, he deserved that on Saturday.

On winning three games on the spin and having some momentum…

We have building things up and confidence is high. The feeling around the group is really good. We want to keep improving. The two wins against Norwich and QPR were great, but it was massive to go and get that third at Sheffield United on Saturday. We want to keep building and believe things will start paying off for us.