MVFC Blog

Early in November, Ernie Merrick promised Melbourne Victory fans that the club would sign some new talent in the November transfer window. As the month reached its end last week, Merrick explained the type of player he was looking for:

“I am looking for a Paul Wade type of character, a real hard grafter, a box-to-box midfielder, someone who is capable of getting forward”

Now, one week into December, Merrick has finally found the player he’s looking for: Nick Ward, a 22 year old attacking midfielder who was the Hyundai A-League Young Player of the year in 2005-06. After that successful year with Perth, in which he scored five times, Ward made a move to England in August last year, signing with English Championship side the Queens Park Rangers. He found goals harder to come by in England, picking up just one for the Q.P.R., and scoring another during his short loan to Brighton.

Ward is a talented midfielder yet to hit his prime. On paper, he seems to be the perfect man for the Melbourne Victory job. Could an energetic presence behind Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp be enough to re-ignite the Victory’s season?

Gary Cole sounds predictably upbeat about Ward:

“We’re unbelievably pleased to secure Nick Ward for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season and for the upcoming 2008 AFC Champions League,” Cole said.

“Nick is a current Olyroo and was part of the team that qualified for next year’s Olympic Games.

“He was the best Under 20 player in the first A-League season and is an exciting prospect for the club.

“He’s an energetic midfielder who can run from penalty area to penalty area and also scores goals. He’s a fantastic addition to our squad.” (The Age)

Unlike Carlos Hernandez, Ward should not take too long to adjust to the tempo of the A-League. But can he find his rhythm quick enough to help Melbourne improve its form?

Let’s hope we see more of this from him over the next six months: