Walsall have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Jed Ward, who arrives at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium from fellow League Two side Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee.Penning a three-year contract, the 23-year-old becomes the Saddlers' fifth permanent signing of the summer.
Born in Bristol, Jed is a young and commanding goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and described by a former manager as the utmost professional.
He began his career at a young age with the Gas, joining their U9s team and progressing through the ranks before signing his first professional contract in February 2021 (aged 17) and making his professional debut a few months later in their final game of the season in League One against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
Since then, Jed has gained valuable experience through several loan spells, beginning with Swindon Supermarine and Prescot Cables in 2021/22 before linking up with National League South club Hungerford Town ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, spending the majority of the season with the Crusaders and impressing throughout despite relegation, making 24 appearances and keeping 7 clean sheets before being recalled.
Ward would then head back out on loan, this time around to Wealdstone and made 19 appearances in the National League before being recalled by the Gas and going on to establish himself as first-choice goalkeeper in Sky Bet League One, impressing with a man-of-the-match performance on his home league debut against Oxford United and making an additional 18 appearances overall in all competitions, as well as signing a new four-year contract and receiving the club’s Young Player of the Year award.
Jed continued his development as he joined Forest Green Rovers on a season-long loan deal in July 2024 (making 28 appearances with 10 clean sheets) before being recalled and returning between the sticks for the Gas for the remainder of the season.
Last season saw Jed return to the National League on a season-long loan to Yeovil Town, and the goalkeeper enjoyed a successful time at Huish Park, playing in every league fixture and keeping 11 clean sheets in the process. His contributions also saw him take home the Players' and Supporters' Player of the Season awards.
Saddlers Head Coach Lee Grant admitted he is pleased to add Jed to the squad, speaking via the official website, he said: "I’m delighted to bring Jed to the club.
"He’s a keeper who has had plenty of experience at a young age but, crucially, retains that eagerness to develop and improve.
"Jed adds another dimension to our backline, and I’m excited to see him show his personality and skill whilst giving everything to help this team.
"We have tracked Jed’s progress over a long period of time and worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to make this deal a reality, so it’s a real coup for the club.
"I look forward to working with him and seeing him out there in front of our supporters."