How Joel Ward responded when asked if he is going to have a Crystal Palace testimonial

Crystal Palace club captain Joel Ward has responded when asked whether he is going to have a testimonial during the awards evening.

As the season rapidly approaches its conclusion, Crystal Palace have had an awards ceremony which had tonnes of feel-good moments in it.

The Player of the Season award went to Jean-Philippe Mateta, while Eberechi Eze walked away with the Goal of the Season award.

The chairman’s award for outstanding contribution went to the club captain Joel Ward, with Steve Parish full of praise afterwards, even suggesting he stay for 300 more games.

But it’s what Ward said that is interesting as he answered the question of whether he will have a testimonial or not to thank him for his 12 years of service – which means he cost the club just £33k-a-year in terms of his transfer fee of £400k.

Joel Ward responds when quizzed over Crystal Palace testimonial

After a whopping 360 appearances for the club, Ward is as deserving of a testimonial as anyone else.

Palace’s eighth-highest appearance maker has now shared his views on his potential testimonial, as reported by club media.

When asked if he expects one, Ward responded that he’d “like to think” that he’d get a testimonial.

Ward is clearly passionate about the Eagles too as he reacted after being awarded his chairman’s award.

“Fairly emotional,” Ward explained.

“Some people that have had a huge impact on my career.

“It’s a huge honour to play for this club, to play for some of the players I have played alongside. It’s great to be a part of this club’s history.

“I remember on the day [I signed] sitting with the chairman and wanting to achieve all I can to reach the promised land which is the Premier League.

“The play-off final was huge – the semi-final was massive. Wilf scored the diving header which was beautiful. Crystanbul was a night to remember under the lights.”

Ward isn’t done yet at Selhurst Park

Turning 35 this year, many assumed that Ward would be heading out the door this summer with his contract set to expire, but this isn’t the case.

It was reported last week that Ward had actually just triggered a one-year extension at the club because he’d played 25 games this season.

This is little surprise to see him sticking around either with his leadership being unmatched in the squad. His case has also been helped as Glasner has used him quite a lot since arriving, playing as a right-sided centre-half.

With one last season in store for Ward, he could yet become even further etched in the history books for the Eagles, especially if Glasner succeeds in taking the club to Europe.

A testimonial is almost guaranteed for Ward, but he shouldn’t be writing his Palace career off just yet.