Football at top leve nowl is totally ruthless short termism. That is why loaning works. There is no loyalty or love left. It's all about who is right today. Not yesterday or tomorrow. Fast fit agile big athletic that's what cuts it now. So we have to accept that and run with it.
So The likes of Ward whose done a great job for us is suddenly history. We got half a dozen who we have loved but who are now history. As a club we are embracing the new face of football which will take us to new levels. But it will have its casualties too. If we want it we have to toughen up and accept reality. Hang on to loyalty, love and history and we will fail. FdB has been brought in to deliver a new product. Tough but fact. Not easy for everyone to accept especially where we came from, but it is what it is. Here today gone tomorrow players know this. No loyalty. Follow the money. How long will it last?
Who knows.

A lot of the posts on here put together say exactly where we are with Joel Ward. He has been a very dependable defensive right back since we were promoted, but we are changing and evolving, whereas Pulis isn't and never will..... Hence the perfect fit for Pulis who does not want his defenders to play football!!

Joel is a promotion legend and a decent Championship RB. He has struggled since we have been in the PL and has been our consistently poorest player for 3 seasons. It's absolutely right to upgrade and I was hoping we could keep him for cover because he is adept enough to do that. If we can't then we move him on he has served us well but he isn't good enough. Thanks for the memories but as harsh as it sounds it's no great loss to our footballing potential.

Or of course he rates Ward and sees him as first choice. If he is sold then in my view there will be a number of potential buyers. My money would be on Spurs because of Trippier's injury.

Ward is not a spectacular player but is dependable. I don't think he was happy with Pardew's changes last season and lost form. I think he can play RWB but his confidence is not what it was. I hope he stays

Disagree completely with this post. Ward was superb the first few seasons with many on here shouting 'Ward for England'!! He hasn't been up to the same standard last 18 months but still a good right back. Easily good enough for premier league.

I am more of your thinking than the thinking of some others on here.

Ward has been a great servant to the club but alas he is lacking that quality at this rarefied level.A very nice chap who is committed to his faith.