Under-21 captain Ward leaves for Accy

01/20/2025 11:37 AM

Central defender and captain of the under-21s Benn Ward has today left the Clarets and joined Accrington Stanley on a permanent basis.

He's been with the Clarets for four years since moving from Hastings in January 2021 but his only first team action came last season in a loan at Swindon which was disappointingly disrupted by an injury.

His contract was coming to an end this summer and he's now moved to Stanley on a deal until the end of next season. Their manager John Doolan said: "Benn is someone we have looked at since pre-season. We watched a few of his Under-21s games and we always got good reports back. He brings quality. He is good on the ball, he is aggressive in both boxes, he likes defending, so he fits the bill.

“Off the field, he is a good lad, good character, he has a good way about him and does it right on and off the field. We have kept tabs on him and we are now happy it is over the line. We did have a few targets, Benn was the top because he had been to Swindon and he is a left-sided centre back and he will give us the balance we need.”

Ward said: “I know the area, I think this club is the right club to take me to another level, especially hearing about the club from other lads and the manager, it made me want to come here. I know Ben Woods and Dara Costelloe from Burnley and it’s nice knowing some people at the club as you can speak to them when you need them.”

We wish Benn the very best at Accrington.