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Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Wrexham transfer target who turned down move admits 'I don't know why I did it'
A former Aston Villa trainee has opened up on how he rejected joining Wrexham in League Two in a move which actually turned out to be beneficial in the long run A former Aston Villa youth player has confessed that he rejected a move to Wrexham, although he can't quite remember why. Jamie Ward rose through the ranks at the Premier League club in the early 2000s before turning pro in 2005. Despite captaining Villa's reserves, the forward never made it onto the pitch for the first team and was loaned out to Stockport County in League Two in March of the following year. After being released by Villa in the summer of 2006, Ward's impressive performances in the fourth tier caught the eye of several clubs. This sparked a tug-of-war between Wrexham, Stockport and Torquay United for his signature. The former Northern Ireland international, who spent most of his career in the Championship with teams like Derby County and Nottingham Forest, took some time to weigh up his options. However, while Wrexham are now an appealing prospect under the stewardship of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, he decided against a move to north Wales at the time, choosing Torquay instead. During a recent appearance on the Undr The Cosh podcast, Ward hinted at some regret over his decision, admitting that he had been impressed by Wrexham's home ground. "After the Stockport loan, I was done at Villa," he said. "Getting in that environment and knowing that I was actually capable of playing league football at a young age was the kick up the backside I probably needed. "I had Stockport, Wrexham and Torquay after me, and I decided to go to Torquay. I was worried about Stockport struggling again, so that's why I didn't go there. I actually don't know why I didn't choose Wrexham, because the stadium was nice. "I think the thing that swung it for me at Torquay is that the manager was from Birmingham, so he knew how far I was away from home. He said to me, 'Listen, if you're ever struggling and you want to go home for a few days, all you have to do is tell me.' "That was a nice option to have where you can just get in the car, get up the road free and you're back with your family three hours later." Ward's stint at Torquay turned out to be brief due to an ownership change and the appointment of a new manager shortly after his arrival. He requested a transfer in December 2006 and subsequently moved to Chesterfield the next month. Despite some regrets about not choosing Wrexham, Ward's choice ultimately proved fortuitous. The 2006/07 season saw Wrexham face difficulties, with their form dipping and manager Denis Smith being dismissed in January 2007. Brian Carey, his successor, narrowly kept the club in League Two with a 3-1 home victory over Boston United on the final day of the season. However, their relief was short-lived as Wrexham fell out of the Football League in 2008 and spent 15 years in exile in non-league's top tier. Ward, on the other hand, enjoyed a more positive trajectory after his performances for Chesterfield caught the attention of Championship team Sheffield United. He later had stints with Derby and Forest before playing for several non-league sides in the twilight years of his career. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wrexham wanted to sign me but I turned down transfer – I don't know why I did it
Wrexham wanted to sign me but I turned down transfer – I don't know why I did it An ex-Aston Villa youngster has admitted that he turned down a move to Wrexham, but his decision may have actually been for the best in the long term, given how things panned out Former Northern Ireland international Jamie Ward has admitted he rejected Wrexham (Image: PA Wire ) A former Aston Villa youngster has admitted he turned down a move to Wrexham – but he now can't actually recall the reasons for his decision. Jamie Ward came up through the youth ranks of the Premier League club during the early 2000s before turning professional in 2005. Despite captaining Villa's reserves, the forward did not make a single first-team appearance for his boyhood team and was loaned out to League Two's Stockport County in March of the following year. Ward's performances in the fourth tier were impressive enough to attract the attention of several teams following his release by Villa in the summer of 2006. The decision sparked a battle between Wrexham, Stockport and Torquay United to secure his services. The ex-Northern Ireland international, who spent most of his career in the Championship with the likes of Derby County and Nottingham Forest, took some time to consider his options. However, while Wrexham are now a highly attractive prospect under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, he decided a move to North Wales was not for him at the time, opting for Torquay instead. Ward showed signs of regret over the choice during a recent appearance on the Undr The Cosh podcast after admitting he'd been impressed by the Red Dragons' home stadium. "After the Stockport loan, I was done at Villa," he said. "Getting in that environment and knowing that I was actually capable of playing league football at a young age was the kick up the backside I probably needed. Article continues below Jamie Ward discussed his career, including his decision to reject Wrexham, on the Undr The Cosh podcast (Image: Undr The Cosh ) "I had Stockport, Wrexham and Torquay after me, and I decided to go to Torquay. I was worried about Stockport struggling again, so that's why I didn't go there. I actually don't know why I didn't choose Wrexham, because the stadium was nice. "I think the thing that swung it for me at Torquay is that the manager was from Birmingham, so he knew how far I was away from home. He said to me, 'Listen, if you're ever struggling and you want to go home for a few days, all you have to do is tell me.' "That was a nice option to have where you can just get in the car, get up the road free and you're back with your family three hours later." Ward's time at Torquay was short-lived following an ownership change and a new manager being brought in soon after he joined. He later put in a transfer request in December 2006, before moving to Chesterfield the following month. Watch Welcome to Wrexham season 4 on Disney+ This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more from £4.99 Disney+ Get Disney+ here Product Description Welcome to Wrexham is back on Disney+ for a fourth season. Fans can watch the series with a £4.99 monthly plan, or get 12 months for the price of 10 by paying for a year upfront. Article continues below Despite voicing some remorse at not going to Wrexham, Ward's decision turned out to be for the best. The 2006/07 season was a tumultuous one for the Red Dragons as they struggled for form and manager Denis Smith was sacked in January 2007. His successor Brian Carey kept the club in League Two by the skin of their teeth with a 3-1 home win over Boston United on the final day of the season. However, their relief was only temporary as Wrexham dropped out of the Football League in 2008 and spent 15 years in exodus in non-league's top tier. Ward was to enjoy a more positive trajectory after his impressive performances for Chesterfield caught the eye of Championship outfit Sheffield United. He later spent time with Derby and Nottingham Forest and also had a short spell on loan at Cardiff City in 2018, before turning out for several non-league sides in the twilight of his career.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Gary Speed gesture comes to light that says everything about football icon
Former Sheffield United forward Jamie Ward has shed light on his time working under the late Gary Speed and shared a telling tale that summed up the beloved ex-Wales manager Former Sheffield United striker Jamie Ward has opened up about working under Gary Speed, reflecting on what an outstanding individual the late ex- Wales boss and Premier League stalwart was. The football community was left shellshocked in November 2011 upon learning that Speed, who starred for Newcastle United and Leeds United, had tragically taken his own life at the age of 42. Speed is remembered not only for his high-calibre performances as a naturally gifted midfielder, but also for the warmth and commitment he brought into his managerial role after retiring as a player and taking the reins at Bramall Lane in 2010. Ward, who had signed for the Blades just a year earlier, reflected on Speed's tenure as head coach before he went on to manage Wales in 2011. He fondly recalled a telling episode when Speed had generously offered to compensate him for assists out of his own pocket due to the lack of such a clause in Ward's contract. "He was a leader," Ward told the Undr The Cosh podcast. "But, when I joined the club, Speedo didn't play. He was still a player, but he was injured. He'd kind of transitioned onto the coaching staff. "So, at that point, we knew at some point he was going to be the first team manager. He was a natural leader, wasn't he? From all the clubs that he had captained, to being in the changing room. "Actually, when he became the manager, he turned around to me, because I didn't have an assist bonus, and he said to me, 'I see you don't have an assist bonus. So, every time you set a goal up, I'm gonna give you £250 of my own money.' "That kind of tells you what kind of guy he was. Next game, we played Derby away. Put two on a plate for Ched Evans, misses them both. "I was having a baby at the time, and I was thinking, 'That'd get me a f*****g pushchair if he scored them!' £500. I didn't take any of his money. "I didn't set any goals up! But going back to that, it shows you what kind of guy he was, to take it out of your own pocket and give it to someone else." Reflecting on his initial encounter with the late football legend at Bramall Lane, Ward shared his awe and admitted that he even asked Speed what exactly he should call him in light of such distinction. "When I turned up, that was the one man that I looked at, and was like, 'Wow.' So starstruck," added Ward. "Because growing up, I'd seen all his career. "I didn't know what to call him. I said to him, 'What do I call you?' I actually turned around to him and said that. 'Is it Gary, Speedo, Speedy?' "'Just call me Speedo.' Because I didn't know, and I just wanted to make sure I was getting it right. When he got the manager's job, I asked him again!"
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
'I made Karren Brady so furious for what I did at West Ham - I didn't repeat it'
Ravel Morrison spent three years at West Ham - but his time at the club wasn't without incident, with the midfielder once on the receiving end of a furious dressing down from club vice-chair Karren Brady Ex-West Ham star Ravel Morrison has discussed the huge telling-off he received from Hammers ' vice-chairman Karren Brady. Morrison joined the Irons in 2012 for a three-year stint which was mostly spent out on loan. Under Sam Allardyce, the midfielder showcased glimpses of his raw talent that had led many to label him as one of the country's most naturally gifted footballers. Now 32, Morrison's career has been a mix of brilliant individual moments and off-pitch mayhem. Talking on the Undr The Cosh podcast, the former Derby County player recounted how he found himself in hot water with Brady for driving to training without a full UK licence. "So, obviously, I drove to training on a provisional license, and Karren Brady went mad. She went mad. I didn't do that again," Morrison said. "Someone must have told her. Like, I had to apologise, pick up the keys, get someone to pick me up from the car." When quizzed if he'd bought said car before getting a proper licence, Morrison said: "A provisional license. I didn't live that far from the training ground, so I thought I could just [drive to training] quick... but I didn't get away with it with Karren." Morrison revealed the reason he hadn't taken his test is that he struggles to navigate the theory section, claiming he wasn't "the brightest". However, he said he does have a Jamaican and Mexican licence - but not an English one. The one-time Manchester United prodigy often found himself in the limelight just as much for his extraordinary goals as well as controversial incidents off the field. Yet speaking to The Athletic in June, Morrison argued that the root cause of his issues was often simple errors such as oversleeping and missing training, challenging the more damaging rumours tied to his reputation. "I just couldn't wake up sometimes," he said. "They were easy mistakes to make - stupid mistakes, yeah - but it's not like I was out drinking in town every weekend and having fights. It was only once in a blue moon when I would be late. "What I've found is that if you get a reputation early on, it can stick with you through life. Or it does with me, anyway." Morrison has struggled to settle in a career that has taken him to 15 different clubs since 2010. As well as spells in the UK with the likes of Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City, Morrison has been all over the world. He has played in Italy with Lazio, Mexico with Atlas, and also had stints with Swedish club Ostersund, Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag and MLS side DC United. However, he does have regrets. "If I could go back in time I would change 90% of my life," Morrison said on Rio Ferdinand's Vibe with Five podcast in 2021. "But you have to look forward, you can't think about the past too much." Morrison departed the Hammers in 2015 after making 24 appearances and scoring five goals, but has fondly recalled his stint in east London as an "enjoyable" one. "If I had the opportunity I'd have stayed with West Ham all the way through," he said in February 2021. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's Cardiff City news as star in blunt admission on Bluebirds stint and Tan's eyewatering spend revealed
Tonight's Cardiff City news as star in blunt admission on Bluebirds stint and Tan's eyewatering spend revealed The latest Bluebirds news from Cardiff City Stadium Former Cardiff City and Manchester United player Ravel Morrison (Image: YouTube/Undr The Cosh ) Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Friday, May 23. Ravel Morrison says he 'didn't enjoy' Cardiff stint Former Manchester United academy product Ravel Morrison has opened up about his brief but ill-fated stint at Cardiff City. The mercurial midfielder was loaned to the Bluebirds in 2014 from West Ham and played seven times. He impressed in his first outing but then made just six substitute appearances before heading back to the London club. Speaking about his stint, Morrison told this week's episode of Undr The Cosh: "I didn't enjoy it. I thought the club was well run, and it's a good club. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community "But that was when I had come back from QPR and we had got promoted with QPR. I did want to go back to QPR, because I wasn't going to play at West Ham, but the club blocked me going back to QPR, because they were in the Prem with West Ham. "I didn't really have a say on Cardiff. I either had to go to Cardiff or go with the under-21s. I went to Cardiff and I was there like, two months, and I just didn't enjoy it. I was a bit down." Article continues below He added: "[The manager] was Danny Gabbidon. He was good. Then one or two weeks later, Russell Slade came in. "Ginge told me to go there, James Collins. He said 'Go there, Danny is the manager, give it a go!' But Danny was only the manager for two weeks. He then came back into the changing room (as a player)." Morrison has endured a strange career path. He now plays in the UAE Second Division League with Precision, where he has scored nine goals in 20 appearances. Tan will continue to invest despite £250m spend Vincent Tan will continue to invest money into Cardiff City despite his expenditure soaring past £250m, according to Bluebirds CEO Ken Choo. It will be the first time Tan is at the helm of a League One club, which will doubtless see it plummet in value. However, it appears he is determined to remain in charge and oversee a promotion back to the Championship. Tan has been at the club for a decade and a half and has sunk eyewatering sums into the club. In recent meeting with the club's Fan Advisory Board (FAB), Ken Choo was asked if Tan was still committed to the club, to which he replied, according to the minutes of the meeting: "Yes, VT (Tan) is. "VT and us all wants positive changes to the club [KC (Ken Choo) wouldn't go into detail about what VT has said] but it is swaying more towards more football people doing things better within the club. VT has invested over £250m + into the club and has maintained that he will still invest." With regards to cuts owing to a drop in revenue in League One, Choo was adamant that the academy would continued to be funded properly as the club believe in bringing through young players to either supplement the first team or bag decent money from player sales. "KC said there is no current intention to make any cuts to the academy as this could save the club a lot of money with home grown players coming through to the first team," the minutes added. Ireland keeping tabs on rising Welsh star The Republic of Ireland are understood to be monitoring Dylan Lawlor's situation, with the young Cardiff centre-back currently with the Wales senior team on a camp in Spain. The teenage defender, born and raised in Wales, has captained the Welsh national team at age-grade level and looks to be a top prospect for both club and country. However, his standout performances at youth level on both the domestic and international scene has seen him become a sought-after prospect. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here. Article continues below Not only do clubs in England, Scotland and in Europe like the look of the 19-year-old, but delegates from Ireland are also believed to be keeping tabs on the talented centre-back. Wales, like Cardiff, view Lawlor as a top talent and are desperate to see him progress in the Welsh pathway. Whether he, or any of the four other uncapped Cardiff players in Spain, get a cap in the upcoming double header against Liechtenstein and Belgium is perhaps one to keep a close eye on. You can read the full story here.
