Rotherham United boss Paul Warne is keeping tabs on former Ipswich winger Grant Ward as reported by the Sheffield Star.
The twenty-four-year-old is still recovering from a cruciate ligament injury he picked up on Boxing Day which led to his release by the Tractor Boys in the summer. The free agent is currently training at Portman Road as he battles back to full fitness and the Star claims he’s already turned down the chance to return to the Millers having enjoyed a loan spell in the 2015-16 campaign. Ward declined the option of a return to Rotherham in the hope of securing a deal at a Championship club according to the report.
However, Warne admitted to the Star he is still in touch with the former Spurs trainee and remains hopeful of bringing him back to the New York Stadium despite feeling Ipswich may attempt to resign him once he’s fully recovered. The Millers boss said: ‘I did speak to Wardy a few weeks ago, just touching base with him to see where he’s at.’
‘He’s now running on the grass and all that. He still hasn’t got anything.’
‘I wouldn’t be surprised if, when he’s fit, Ipswich re-engage and re-sign him. That’s sort of what I get a feel of.’
‘If he does reach out to me – because I don’t want to hassle him like a stalker – and say he’d consider coming here or wants to have a chat, I’d definitely meet him — 100 per cent.
‘Whether I’d have the funds to do anything … I’d have to ‘green light’ that with the chairman. If it’s something, I could do. I would be keen on doing it, yeah.’
Ward made a great impression in South Yorkshire during his previous stint, clocking up forty-three appearances in a torrid season for the Millers that saw them employ three different managers in their ultimately successful attempt to avoid relegation from the Championship.
Alan Stubbs then tried to sign him permanently, but he chose Ipswich instead and left Tottenham for Portman Road in a deal reported to be worth £600,000.
Our View
Many Rotherham fans would love to see Ward back in South Yorkshire.
His energy and athleticism would be a great addition to the Millers midfield.
He’s a great player, and if he’s fit, he would be massive in League One.
The problem for Warne is Ward’s ability is no secret and once he’s fully recovered there is likely to be several suitors after his services, with a high probability that he might get his wish of a Championship contract.
