Joel Ward

Ward operated mainly as a central defender at the start of his professional career, particularly during the beginning of his time at Portsmouth and loan to Bournemouth. He proved his versatility in the 2010–11 season with Steve Cotterill deploying him as a right-back at the start of the season, and also played him as a central midfielder, right midfielder and as an attacking midfielder. Whilst at Palace, he predominantly played at right-back, though often filled in at left back, most notably in the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons. In the 2023–24 season, under new manager Oliver Glasner, Ward's defensive solidity saw him revert to playing as a right-sided centre-back when Glasner used a system with three centre-backs.

Portsmouth

Ward started his footballing career with local youth team East Lodge and signed a professional contract with Portsmouth in July 2008 after spending two years in the Academy and Reserves.

AFC Bournemouth (loan)

The following month, Ward signed a one-year loan deal with AFC Bournemouth to gain first team experience. It came after when he and Matt Ritchie went on trial with the Cherries and appeared in the club's three friendly matches. Upon joining AFC Bournemouth, Ward said: "I think it will be a great opportunity for me to get first-team football and work for my place. Hopefully I can get game time and getting that experience is all part of growing up. I think League Two will be a test and it's a step up from youth and reserves football. It will be tough to compete but I think I'm capable of raising the bar." He soon made his debut in a League Cup match against Cardiff City on 12 August, playing the full 90 minutes as Cardiff ran out 2–1 winners. His League Two debut came later that week on 16 August 2008 in an away draw with Aldershot Town. As the season progressed, Ward continued to appear in defence for the Cherries, competing for a place in the starting–eleven. He gained the first yellow and red cards of his career on 18 October in a 4–1 away defeat to Shrewsbury Town, eventually being sent off for two bookable offences. After serving a one match suspension, Ward made his return, coming on as a 85th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss against…

As of match played 2 May 2026

Ward is currently involved with helping and supporting local charity Faith and Football, which was set up by former Pompey defender Linvoy Primus. He attended the Bourne Community College in Southbourne and Bishop Luffa School in Chichester. Ward is a Christian and kneels down on the pitch to pray before each match. On 20 April 2014, Ward returned to his home church for an interview about how he brings his Christian faith to his job as a footballer. He currently resides in London.