Ward Released By Villa

Jamie Ward has been released by Aston Villa, increasing County?s hopes of signing up the right winger.

Ward made seven starts for County during his loan spell and scored one goal.

County fans thought very highly of the impressive Jamie Ward, as did County boss Jim Gannon, and most are hoping that he can return to Edgeley Park to make his move permanent in the summer.

His agent, Gino Culbertson, says he’ll find a club for Ward soon.

Culbertson said: ‘Aston Villa have released Jamie on a free transfer but there are several clubs already interested in signing him. Colchester, Chesterfield, Wrexham, Torquay and Stockport are all in there.’

County boss Jim Gannon said he is hoping to bring in more players, but may have to wait should he want to bring any players in from the Irish Eircom League as they transfer window doesn?t open till June.

He said: ‘We don’t have a big squad so if we lose six, seven or eight, we’ll be looking to bring in six, seven or eight but the type of player we’re looking at bringing in may be a little bit more expensive. We’re looking at making five or six additions for a start.

‘We want to bring in three to five experienced players and we’ll leave an avenue there for two or three younger players we feel have got a chance. We think there are a few players in Ireland and a few players in the region here that can fill those boots. That’s the kind of profile we’re looking for.

‘(The Irish transfer) window doesn’t open until June and when an English club comes in they’ll obviously be looking for money. Clubs may make it difficult for us.’

Here?s hoping that Jim Gannon can get the signature of Jamie Ward in the summer.