Fri 13 Mar - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Defender Joe Ward has signed on the dotted line to secure his future with Derby County.
The club and the Rams right-sider have activated a clause in his contract to extend until summer 2027.
Since joining the club ahead of the 2023/24 season, Ward has featured 66 times in black and white, achieving promotion from League One at the end of his first season and consolidating in the Championship last term.
The 30-year-old is also approaching 300 EFL club appearances, as he has made 299 outings since joining Peterborough United in 2018 – he racked up 233 appearances for the Posh before moving to Pride Park Stadium.
Ward has been a vital part of the Rams’ set-up this season and leads the assist charts in the squad. He has set up nine goals in 29 appearances for Derby, also scoring on the road against West Bromwich Albion in the Carabao Cup back in August and against Swansea City in league action in November.
“He's been great in the dressing room,” Head Coach John Eustace said after Ward put pen to paper.
“He's a great character. He's led by example on the pitch. Joe has proved that he's more than capable of playing at Championship level, and his quality has been there all season with his assists. His availability has been there, too.
“His performances have been excellent. We're delighted that he's got the number of games to be able to extend his contract.”
