Jed Ward’s impressive progress at Bristol Rovers has been rewarded with the talented young goalkeeper signing a new four-year deal in BS7, with the option of a further 12 months.
Ward’s previous deal was due to expire this summer - although the club held an option to extend it into 2025 - but this new agreement not only serves as validation and appreciation of his performances since breaking into the team in January, but also provides the Gas with a degree of security around one of the most prized assets.
The 20-year-old was called up to the England Elite League squad this month for the first time and invariably, given his age, and the amount of games he’s now accumulating there will be a degree of interest in his development further up the pyramid.
But whereas the previous contract left them open for an approach, this new deal provides protection around Ward’s future as the Bradley Stoke youngster is expected to be a cornerstone of the Gas moving forward.
“I’m really happy to sign my new contract with Bristol Rovers,” Ward said. “The past few weeks playing in the first team have been unbelievable and I’m really happy to now keep it going.
“It’s been some journey that I’ve been on so far. It’s not even close to being done but it’s really nice to be rewarded for my hard work with these things. I want to take everything I can from it and keep going. Things like the England call-up show me I’m on the right path and make the hard work worthwhile. I want to push on now.”
Ward joined Rovers when he was eight and, after making his debut as a 17-year-old at the end of the 2020/21 relegation season, embarked on a series of loan spells before seizing the gloves on a longer-term basis this year. After replacing Brentford loanee Matt Cox, Ward has made 11 starts and kept three clean sheets.
Ward’s new deal also crosses one of the names off the long list of players whose contracts are due to expire this summer, with Matt Taylor now having to make decisions on 11 individuals, while his six loanees will return to their parent clubs.
“It is fantastic that Jed has signed a new contract with the club,” said Taylor. “He is a hard-working, committed and determined young player who has reaped the rewards of his efforts so far this season, both with his run in the first team and his recent inclusion in the England set-up.
“A goalkeeper’s peak age is around 30, so we must remember that Jed is still developing in relation to his game and body. We are delighted that he has chosen Bristol Rovers to be his home for the next four years.”
