A former Notts County goalkeeper was at the centre of one of the greatest sporting achievements in English history as the Lionesses were victorious in the European Championship final at Wembley last weekend.
England ran out 2-1 victors against Germany to end the 56-year wait for a major trophy at international level for the country. Ella Toone’s stunning second-half chip over Merle Frohms looked to have been enough, but Lina Magull’s 79th‑minute strike forced extra time. Chloe Kelly pounced in extra time, tapping in from close range to win the game and the trophy.
Amongst England manager Sarina Wiegman’s coaching staff that helped push the Lionesses to glory was goalkeeper coach Darren Ward, which is a name most County supporters will be very familiar with. He was appointed when the Three Lions brought in the Dutch coach to replace Phil Neville in 2021, off the back of her first European Championship success with her home country in 2017.
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The 48-year-old Welshman, who won five senior caps for his country between 2000 and 2004, was backed for a top club job before he made the move to the women’s national team and has a great reputation despite being relatively fresh in his career as a coach.
Born in Worksop, Ward began his playing career at Mansfield Town before switching across Nottinghamshire to play for the Magpies. He moved to County for £150,000 in July 1995, where he would go on to make his most appearances. During a six-season stay, he played over 300 games for the Meadow Lane club.
In 2001, Ward moved across Trent Bridge to sign for Forest. He was added to the ranks by Paul Hart and would play 123 times for the Reds before moving to Norwich City.
He was part of Chris Wilder’s team at Sheffield United, and his work helped the Blades reach the Premier League and stay there for two years. Dean Henderson, who joined Forest on loan this summer, told the Sheffield Star that Ward was “the best goalkeeping coach I’ve ever worked with” while he was with the Blades.
Additionally, the final matchwinner, Kelly, revealed on Good Morning Britain that Ward inspired her to score the all-important goal that “brought football home”. The Manchester City forward was keen not to take a penalty at Wembley, knowing the severe pressure she and her teammates would be under, but the words from the former County ‘keeper gave her the push she needed.
I don't think the girls ever thought of penalties, even against Spain [in the quarter-finals]," she told GMB on Tuesday morning. "We thought we were going to win in extra-time; we were going to win it in normal time. We weren't really looking at penalties.
"I did say to the goalkeeper coach at half-time of extra-time: 'I'm not fancying a penalty'. And he said to me: 'Well win it then'."
County fans remember Ward fondly for his contributions to the club as a player in the mid-to-late 90s. Now, he’s a European Championship winner and his stock continues to rise in the professional game.
