Wolves will be stronger next term says Stephen Ward

Jul 10 2008 By Brian Halford

STEPHEN Ward believes Wolves will return to the Championship treadmill next month with "a fresh hunger" to leap off it into the Premiership nine months down the line.

Ward was involved in 31 games last season as Wolves' pursuit of the play-offs ended in narrow failure.

But he reckons that, though the campaign ended in frustration, it could yet still benefit the squad who will tackle the coming season with more experience of the demands of Championship football.

That extra nous, abetted by some new signings, stands Wolves in good stead, believes Ward.

"We will have a much stronger squad and, given that we have had two near misses, we will also be far more experienced," said the 22-year-old.

"The gaffer has made a few astute signings and I'm sure he'll be making more.

"We are still a young squad but a lot of the lads have now played a lot of games and that should stand us in good stead.

"I think this year there will be a fresh hunger. The lads know that this is massive year. After coming so close for a couple of years we have definitely got the capability. We will take a lot out of these last couple of years. I know I have."

Most of Ward's appearances last season came on the left wing rather than in the up-front role in which he forged his reputation as a youngster at Bohemians while graduating through the Republic of Ireland youth teams when Mick McCarthy was manager.

And he is quite happy to be flexible. "I'm not sure if I'm thought of as a striker anymore," Ward said.

"I'm happy to play anywhere. I just want to play as many games as possible and hopefully I will be pushing for a place in the team and at least being in and around the squad.

"I have no problem playing left wing, left back or wherever I'm called upon. The gaffer's so good with us and honest with us that I think we'd all play anywhere if asked.

"I'm just glad to be back from the injury and will give it my best shot during pre-season."