Credit: Imago

Mark Smith

Sat 17 May 2025 20:56, UK

Joel Ward became a hero at Crystal Palace on Saturday, lifting the FA Cup 17 years after Portsmouth achieved the very same feat at Wembley.

Eberechi Eze scored the only goal in London against Manchester City, with Dean Henderson pulling off some heroics of his own, saving a penalty from Omar Marmoush.

Despite not playing, Ward lifted the FA Cup alongside Marc Guehi, days after an emotional farewell message from Selhurst Park.

The journey is far from over for Ward, though.

Ward can seal Portsmouth return now

John Mousinho has found the perfect blend of experience and youth at Fratton Park during his time, and it thrived in the Championship.

Securing another season of Championship football, welcoming Southampton in the process, gives Pompey another year of up to £10million in revenue.

That is huge after so long in League One, but it must be spent wisely.

With Terry Devlin flying down the right at times, his youth could benefit massively from someone like Ward returning to his old club.

Zak Swanson is another option, but with so much disruption at the back this season, with Marlon Pack filling in at times, Ward’s versatility to play on the right and centrally could be massive for Mousinho.

Mousinho to have final say on Ward transfer

With the gaffer already linked to several other jobs in the Championship, West Brom and Watford, to name two, he will want assurances at Fratton Park.

The Eisners have been urged to back him, so a move for Ward could be sensible but also cost-effective with several transfers likely wanted.

Mousinho has done a sensational job, while many forget he is still relatively young in coaching terms, with over 50 wins in blue already.

Even if not playing every week, Ward could help with that with his experience and that is where this move starts to make even more sense.