Jamie Ward is a happy man after lifting the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award for November. The League Two winner was a worthy recipient as he continues to terrorise defenders as Chesterfield bid to force their way back into play-off contention.
The former Aston Villa trainee has also played at Stockport and Torquay but he has really made his mark at Saltergate and the 22-year-old is being watched by a host of clubs higher up the ladder. Birmingham-born Ward has already bagged 15 goals this term in a side that had high hopes of promotion in pre-season but are currently languishing in 14th position, nine points shy of the play-offs.
The Spirerites also face a tricky FA Cup second round replay tomorrow night at Blue Square North outfit Droylsden who held them to a 2-2 draw in the first clash at Saltergate. Givemefootball’s Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Ward about his hopes for a promotion campaign and why he no longer sets himself goal targets.
ARE YOU PLEASED TO WIN THE PFA FANS’ PLAYER FOR THE MONTH AWARD FOR THE FIRST TIME?
I am really happy to win this award. It is good that not only Chesterfield fans but supporters from other clubs as well have been voting for me. Hopefully, people have seen what I can do and this award is a feather in my cap.
YOU ARE FORMING A GOOD PARTNERSHIP WITH JACK LESTER AREN’T YOU?
I have had a good start to the season and me and Jack Lester are forging a good partnership. It is great to play with someone like Jack at this stage of my career, as he is an excellent player who has taught me a lot. I can’t than k him enough for the influence he has had on my career as he has probably helped progress it more than anyone.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS?
I have been working my socks off this season as that is a big part of my game. However, when you know the lads behind you are doing the same, which is the case at Chesterfield, then it encourages you to work even harder. Hopefully, that way I can continue to get my goals.
HAVE YOU SET YOURSELF A TARGET FOR THIS SEASON?
I don’t set goal targets any more. I used to but then I spoke to Wayne Allison when he was here and he told me not to pressure on myself and to never set myself any targets. He said that all I needed to worry about was scoring my first goal and then concentrating on getting my next one. That was pretty good advice from ‘the chief’ and any targets I have are now kept very close to my chest.
IS PROMOTION STILL THE AIM THIS SEASON?
We are a few points outside of the play-offs but promotion is still achievable this season. The players expect to be in the mix for promotion and everyone is going to battle hard to try and achieve that. Supporters are ambitious too and want what is best for the club so we will try to give them a promotion campaign and it isn’t out of reach.
YOU HAVE GOT A TRICKY TIE AT DROYLSDEN TOMORROW HAVEN’T YOU?
Droylsden aren’t a bad side at all. It was a tough game at our place and they played some decent stuff so it will be a difficult replay. There are always s tight games in the FA Cup and there is often an upset or two along the way but hopefully we can work our way into the third round.”
THIS IS THE START OF A VERY IMPORTANT TIME FOR CLUBS ISN’T IT?
The Christmas programme is very important and if we can put a good run together then it will help us get back on track. We have got to play some of the top teams such as Darlington and anyone can genuinely beat anyone in this division so we believe that we can get the results we need.
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