Stephen Ward

Goalkeeper

Stephen debuted on Saturday 2^nd September 1995 at our then home of Saint John Almond, Garston against Waterloo Dock.  A clean sheet was his return the first of 127, thus far.  A touch under a clean sheet every third game. Stephen has well surpassed the clean sheet record previously held by the great Peter Eales. Stephens consistency and standards are beyond reproach.

A public servant in the employment service agency his presence has been the rock on South defensive solidity for many a year. That success is shown perversely in the two season where his appearances are low. 1998 saw him go to New Zealand, returning the following season. That season saw us struggle, surviving relegation in the last game. 2005 an early season injury saw him out of contention and our final league position saw South consigned to the First Division of the new Premier League by a single, and still highly controversial, point.  Stephen though as soon as he was fit was in our new reserve side showing his commitment to the South cause.  He has been sent off only twice and in 2003 recorded a penalty shoot-out clean sheet at East Villa. A massive presence in his area and while now in the veteran stage he remains agile and athletic, making tremendous saves.  .

We have been extremely fortunate to be able to depend on such a fine custodian and are proud of his continued service for South.  Our thanks though not only go to him but also to wife Helen for allowing us to have him between the sticks so often.

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