Ward delighted with Dundalk return

In League of Ireland circles, many players move clubs from one year to the next with some players returning back to former clubs. That is certainly the case for Keith Ward who is ready for a second spell with Dundalk and speaking to extratime.ie, he began by reflecting on his time in 2011.

“I’m delighted to be back. It’s a great club and I can’t wait to play for them again. I enjoyed my time here before. I didn’t want to leave. We had a very good team in 2011, we had a few injuries and whatever but I really think if Ian Foster had to stay on and we got one or two players we really could have pushed for the league.

“That didn’t happen and I don’t know what went on behind the scenes but it didn’t work out and nearly every player left with him. That’s the way it happened and we had to deal with it.”

Ward, who was a fans favourite in his previous spell, is confident of new manager Stephen Kenny’s ability before admitting he is delighted to be back at Oriel.

“Stephen’s going to get in a good team. He wouldn’t have taken the job if he didn’t think he could get a good team together. Mid-table would be a good finish. For myself, I am just delighted to be back at the club and looking forward to the new season.”

Indeed Stephen Kenny was a major factor in Ward’s return and the midfielder said that when he rang him early, that sealed the deal.

“Stephen was a huge reason for me coming back. He rang me early before he got the job which I liked and it showed me he was keen on me. His record speaks for itself. He has had a lot of good players over the years so hopefully we can get a few good players here and have a good season.”

On targets for the upcoming season, Ward was quick to point out the league will be even more competitive than ever next year but confessed his ambition to qualify for Europe.

I would love Europe. Since I’ve played in the league, this will be the most competitive ever. You have Sligo and Rovers, then Pat’s are good, Derry and Cork are strengthening, Shels as well so it could be tight between fifth and tenth. I’d love to get into Europe again. This year with Bohs was great and you never know what can happen in the league so it’d be great to get there with Dundalk.

Speaking on his new signing, Kenny was full of praise for the youngster describing him, as a ‘natural footballer’

“Keith Ward is as good as anyone in the league with the talent he’s got. He mightn’t be physically the strongest but he is creatively. He’s a magical little player. He captures people’s imagination and he does things off the cuff – he’s a natural footballer.”