July 2 2018

Joel Ward

Crystal Palace defender Joel Ward has signed a new three-year contract.

Ward is one of a number of Palace players out of contract this summer but has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at Selhurst until 2021.

The 28-year-old joined the Eagles from Portsmouth in 2012 and was part of the glorious Premier League promotion winning side that season.

He has amassed 206 appearances for the Soiuth Londoners and will battle it out for the right back slot with youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka next term.

"I’m delighted to be re-signing," he told Palace TV. "I’ve been here for six years now and this will take me just shy of a testimonial so I’m looking forward to what the future has in store.

"There’s been some fantastic moments; it’s been a great ride, and long may that continue. I wanted to stay here and be a part of it as I feel at home here, and it’s important for us to keep moving forward.

"I want to continue to play for this club and set that bar as high as I can. As long as I put the boots on, I’ll never stop trying to better myself and raise that bar."