Going For-Ward?

Last updated : 22 September 2011 By Jim Bonner

Last season, Joel Ward was one of Pompey's top performers having proved to Steve Cotterill that he had the ability to play at Championship level and in various different positions on the pitch.

The 21-year-old was arguably the team's most consistent performer and made a significant contribution to the team whether he played in defence of midfield despite his apparent "weak" physique.

The manager sent him to the USA to buff up over the summer and you can tell by looking at him that he is now a stronger looking player.

However, Joel's performances since the start of this current season have not been up to the same standard as last campaign and he seems to have gone backwards in his career progression, but why?

Perhaps it is because the manager hasn't given him a solid role in the side and this has hampered his consistency In an interview today Ward said that his favourite position is at right back and I happen to agree.

What I like about Ward is his commitment when challenging opposition players and the fact that he tries to pass the ball out of defence rather than lump the ball aimlessly up the pitch.

Also, his ability to get forward and support the attack is under-valued and he should be given the license to use the wide areas more often.

My only real criticism of Joel when he has played in defence is that his positional sense is poor, but then what do you expect when Cotterill won't consistently play him in the same position and keeps shifting him about?

He is the best option we have at right back at the moment. Greg Halford is too important in the centre to be moved out to the right, Tal Ben-Haim is useful on the left and surely Ward has more to offer than the sluggish, and clumsy Aaron Mokoena?

It's a shame that the local lad hasn't been given the chance to shine this season and perhaps it has affected his confidence. After all, he is still only 21-years-old and has a lot of time to learn his trade IF he is given a position to stick to.

Whilst his versatility is invaluable in times of crisis, I can't help but feel that Ward's career is suffering through the lack of playing consistently in one position.

It'll be interesting to see where Ward will play against Blackpool on Saturday. I expect he will be given another chance in the centre of midfield but despite his increased physical presence he is still being outfought by the experienced Championship sloggers in the centre of the pitch.

I really hope that Joel is given the chance to cement his place in the team. Everyone likes to see a local lad make the grade and after an impressive full debut season at Portsmouth, it would be a real shame to see his career regress because he can't be played in the same position regularly.