Signing for the Tottenham Hotspur academy in 2011, Grant Ward has had a number of loan spells on both sides of the Atlantic.
The young Englishman joined MLS side Chicago Fire in 2014 on a season long loan. During the spell in Chicago, Ward made 23 appearances, scoring one goal as he got his first taste of professional football.
In late July 2014, Ward came up against parent club Tottenham in a pre-season friendly as he showed recently appointed boss Mauricio Pochettino what he could do. Despite being on the losing side, in a 2-0 defeat, Ward became part of the Argentine’s long term plans as he looked to build a young and hungry side in North London.
Having retuned to the UK, Ward joined League One side Coventry City on a loan until the end of the season on the 13th March 2015. Playing predominantly in central midfield, despite being deployed on the right wing in the US, Ward became an important figure making 12 appearances as Coventry avoided relegation to League Two.
The impact Ward had on the West Midlands side was not overlooked by Pochettino who included Ward in his squad for post-season friendlies against a Malaysian XI and Sydney FC respectively. Ward made appearances in both victories as Pochettino and Tottenham fans got a closer look at what the youngster from Lewisham could do.
Opportunities at Rotherham United
Highly impressive in both friendly matches, Rotherham United announced they had taken Ward on loan for pre-season with the view of a longer term loan deal.
The 20-year old has since continued to impress at the South Yorkshire side, scoring in both his appearances against Parkgate FC and Stocksbridge.
His contribution to Steve Evans’ side has resulted in the announcement that Ward will spend the rest of 2015 on loan at the Championship side as they look to build on their 21st place finish in the 2014-15 Championship campaign.
Millers boss Evans expressed his delight at the signing of Ward, claiming “everyone inside the football club" will "be delighted to hear the news."
The impact Ward has made in his short spell at Rotherham so far is clearly evident in the thanks to Tottenham and Pochettino for approving the temporary home of Ward who "must thank Mauricio Pochettino and Paul Mitchell at Spurs for approving the loan.”
The Millers strengthening
Becoming the eighth signing, Rotherham managed to fight off rival Championship sides for the signature of Ward as they continue to strengthen with established Championship and Premier League signings.
Ward follows the likes of Joe Mattock, Danny Collins, Greg Halford and Emmanuel Ledesma in making the move to the New York Stadium for the forthcoming season.
Ward however, will be hoping to use his six months at Rotherham United to build valuable first team experience in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe before making a charge for a regular starting role at White Hart Lane in 2016.