Portsmouth hero could now make shock return after Crystal Palace announcement
Portsmouth are aiming to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window, and could now bring back a former fan favourite.
John Mousinho’s side secured Championship surivival in their first season back in the second division since 2012, and they will now aim to push up the table.
Portsmouth are enjoying a revival after a decade in League One and below, and are bringing back memories of former top-flight sides which graced Fratton Park in the past.
One player who featured for Portsmouth in the Premier League could now make a dramatic return, after making an announcement ahead of the summer window.
Joel Ward to leave Crystal Palace
Former Portsmouth cult hero Joel Ward left in the summer of 2012 to join Crystal Palace, and he since spent nearly 13 years with the Eagles.
Now 35, Ward still features for Palace, but fell down the pecking order, and he has now announced that he will depart his club at the end of the season.
“For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club,” he told Palace club media.
| Stat | Joel Ward |
| Appearances | 96 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 5 |
“It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.”
Ward came through the Portsmouth academy, and alluded to the fact that he was originally at Pompey before moving to Selhurst Park.
“Obviously, I came from somewhere else. But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family,” he added.
“This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely a ‘see you later.’”
Portsmouth could re-sign Ward
Despite his age, Ward could still be a useful asset in the Championship, and bringing him back to Fratton Park on a free transfer would make a lot of sense.
Ward can play across the back line, having started his career at centre-back when coming through at Portsmouth, before featuring on both sides at fullback during his time at Palace.
The Englishman was popular at Portsmouth, and even featured in their last Premier League campaign in 2009-10.
Ward made 96 appearances for Pompey, and fans could be delighted if he returns to add to that tally this summer, while his tally of six goals was the same number he managed in 13 years at Palace.
If Ward chooses to go down a different route, Palace and Portsmouth could arrange a testimonial match as he prepares to move club, to celebrate the successful career of a Pompey academy graduate.