Tommy Ward (footballer, born 1913)

Thomas Edward George Ward (18 April 1913 – 1997) was an English footballer. A right-half and later a forward, he had a six-year career in the Football League from 1933 to 1939, playing for Crystal Palace, Grimsby Town, Port Vale, Stoke City, and Mansfield Town.

Career Ward played for Chatham before he was signed by Crystal Palace in August 1933. He made nine Third Division South appearances for the "Eagles" before he moved on to Grimsby Town in June 1934. The "Mariners" finished fifth in the First Division in 1934–35 and 17th in 1935–36. Ward departed Blundell Park in June 1936 when he signed with Port Vale. He converted to a centre-forward role in November 1936 and with 18 goals in 32 games in the 1936–37 season was the club's top scorer; during the campaign, he hit hat-tricks past Chester and Gateshead at the Old Recreation Ground. He bagged four goals in 14 appearances in 1937–38. He was transferred to rivals Stoke City in exchange for Harry Davies and a small fee in February 1938. He continued his scoring record from the Third Division North into the First Division, hitting four goals in five league games for the "Potters", including two in a 3–2 win over Manchester City at the Victoria Ground (Stanley Matthews scoring the third). Despite this, he was returned to the "Valiants" in February 1939. He hit four goals in 12 Third Division South games in 1938–39, but was dropped from the first-team in April 1939 and transferred to league rivals Mansfield Town two months later. His career was then ended due to the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent suspension of the Football League.

Career statistics + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCrystal Palace1933–34Third Division South70200090Grimsby Town1934–35First Division00000000Port Vale1936–37Third Division North2714104432181937–38Third Division North1141020144Total381820644622Stoke City1937–38First Division54000054Port Vale1938–39Third Division South1240033157Mansfield Town1939–40–00003333

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