Vultures swirl over Ward

Last updated : 26 May 2005 By Charlie Roper
Ward
Ward: Next to go
After weeks of speculation about his future, it looks like Darren Ward will almost certainly start next season at another club after Millwall took the unusual step of announcing that he "may be leaving the club shortly".

Ward has been linked to Sheffield United, West Ham and Norwich City in recent weeks as well as Crystal Palace and now an un-named Premiership club has also joined the chase.

Speaking to the club's official site, Chairman Jeff Burnige attempted to explain why Millwall were now losing their Player of the Year, so soon after the departure of Paul Ifill, club captain Kevin Muscat and manager Dennis Wise.

"Obviously I did not become Chairman to preside over the sale of our best players, and if this transfer does materialise, the supporters will read a proper explanation of the circumstances in which it came about.

"Personally, I hope that, if he does decide to leave, it is for a Premiership club because he deserves the chance to play at the highest level. The Board will, in any case, insist on a substantial fee."