Bradford City are among the clubs tracking Accrington Stanley defender Benn Ward, with growing interest in the 22-year-old following an impressive start to his Football League career, as reported by Alan Nixon on his Patreon.
Ward joined Accrington in January after progressing through Burnley’s academy system, and his development since stepping up to League Two has not gone unnoticed. The centre-back has quickly established himself as a regular, featuring 21 times in all competitions this season and chipping in with one goal.
His journey to the EFL has been a steady one. Ward initially caught the eye in non-league football with Hastings United, having previously spent time in the Brighton and Hove Albion academy as a youngster. A move to Burnley followed, where he continued his development before making the transition into senior football with Stanley, joining for an undisclosed fee in January. His one-and-a-half-year contract is due to expire this summer.
Performances this season have fuelled talk of a move higher up the pyramid, with Bradford City now linked alongside interest from elsewhere. Bradford are not alone in their hunt – Reading are also thought to be looking to add to their defensive ranks after a disappointing start to their League One campaign. Statistically, Ward stands out at League Two level. Data from Wyscout places him among the division’s most effective ball-playing centre-backs, ranking fifth for defensive duels contested.
For Graham Alexander’s side, the links point towards a longer-term recruitment approach rather than a short-term fix. Ward fits the age profile of a player with scope to improve further, while already showing he can handle the physical and tactical demands of senior football.
With interest building and his stock continuing to rise, Accrington may face a challenge keeping hold of one of their standout performers if clubs from higher divisions decide to firm up their interest in the coming windows.
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