WARD LOOKS FORWARD TO SEASON RESTART

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U21s skipper reflects on successful start to 2024/25

2025-01-07T09:00:00.000Z

WARD LOOKS FORWARD TO SEASON RESTART

U21s skipper reflects on successful start to 2024/25

2025-01-07T09:00:00.000Z

U21s skipper reflects on successful start to 2024/25

After what he describes as ‘one of the best’ periods of his career to date, defender Benn Ward is looking forward to the second half of Burnley U21s’ season.

Ward has been a regular in Andy Farrell’s team this season, missing just three matches and taking the captain’s armband.

Following a mini fixture break over the festive period, the young Clarets return to action against Sheffield United at the County Ground in Leyland this evening.

Speaking about his Christmas and New Year, he said: “It was good! I got to go home for two or three days and see the family, and it was good to relax the mind and let the body rest.”

Prior to this campaign, the 21-year-old had a couple of seasons in which injury affected his progress.

Most notably, Ward had a loan spell at Sky Bet League Two side Swindon Town cut short because of a hernia injury that needed surgery, managing just five appearances for the Robins.

“The start of this season has probably been one of the best periods of my career so far, because I’ve stayed fit and played a lot of games.

“I’ve been doing everything I can away from the pitch to ensure I stay fit and of course you need a bit of luck too.

“I’ve been able to build a bit of consistency and form and obviously the team’s been winning a lot too, so we’re in a good position in the league.”

WARD LOOKS FORWARD TO SEASON RESTART - Image 1

As one of the senior players within the Clarets’ U21s group, Ward has taken on captaincy responsibilities this season.

The defender, who is originally from Hastings but moved north to Burnley in January 2021, explained how that role has benefitted him.

“It’s been good! It gives me a bit of pressure to make sure that the lads are doing everything right and that the team is gelling well.

“Because of that it’s helped me stay alert and switched on – I always want to help the lads.

“On the pitch it’s definitely helped me too, because I’m learning more about the game and I now talk more throughout it.”

Tonight’s match is 3rd against 1st in the Professional Development League North section table, presenting an opportunity to close the gap on the Blades to a single point.

These two teams met at York City’s LNER Community Stadium back in October for the reverse fixture, and the Yorkshire side edged it 1-0 thanks to Ismailia Coulibaly’s long-range strike.

“Everyone’s looking forward to it because it’s a big game,” Ward continued.

“Sheffield United are always competing at the top end of the table and we want to get one over on them because they beat us last time, so it would be nice to win on Tuesday night.

“It was a tough game back in October. We probably didn’t set ourselves up right, which we’ve learnt from now and we know where we can exploit them.

“We know how good we are too and will be focusing on our own game.”

Supporters are welcome to get behind Farrell and his players this evening, with kick-off at the County Ground (PR25 2LF) being 7pm.

Burnley season ticket holders can gain free entry by presenting their card at the turnstiles, with free parking on site too.

Other adults are £5, while concessions are £2.

Otherwise you can follow live updates on X @ClaretsAcademy, while a match report will be published on www.burnleyfootballclub.com after the final whistle.