Ward ready to orchestrate Fury attack
Coach Nikola Popovic figures Ottawa Fury FC has landed a good one in midfielder Charlie Ward.
The 23-year-old spent the 2018 season with San Antonio FC, where he was a key component of their midfield in the 12 matches he played. Ward was on the field for more than 4,400 minutes of play with Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and San Antonio FC.
A product of the Aston Villa Academy, Ward signed with the Stoke City reserve team in 2013 at the age of 18, earning his one and only call-up to the English Premier League side against Aston Villa in March 2014. He has since featured in over 100 games despite his young age, including a stint with the MLS Houston Dynamo in 2017.
Ward says he was influenced in his style of play by star English midfielder Paul Scholes.
“He’s a No. 6, he’s a very, very good midfielder,” Popovic said.
Asked why he chose to sign with the Ottawa side, Ward said: “I knew the coach from his time at Swope (Park). That was it, really. He phoned me and we talked about the way the club wants to play. It was positive.
“There were other clubs, but were the other clubs going to play the football I wanted? Probably not. Speaking to the coach and the confidence he gave me, that’s why I chose this club. I believe in what they’re trying to do.”
Asked about his role on the team, about what kind of contribution fans can expect from him, Ward said: “I’m the orchestrator on the team. I have to be everywhere controlling everything, passing the ball. I have to be the one that has to try to dictate things for the team. If I’m playing well, the team plays well and we win. That’s what we’re all here for, to bring a championship to Ottawa.
“It’s always been the same style of play for me. I want to be on the ball, I want to dictate the game. If I’m influential in the game, the team normally does well or wins. It’s on my shoulders that I have to bring a lot to the table.”