The 22 year old is contracted until June next year, ensuring he will feature in the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season and Victory’s 2008 AFC Champions League campaign.

Ward spent the inaugural A-League season with Perth Glory, playing in every match, scoring five goals and claiming the Rising Star Award as the most outstanding Under 20 player.

The exciting youngster, who was a key player in the Qantas Under 23s recent qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, moved to QPR in August last year and also had a short stint on loan with Brighton.

Ward was also part of the Qantas Socceroos squad that defeated Bahrain in January 2006 and represented the Qantas Young Socceroos at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, where he scored in Australia’s opening match.

His QPR contract was terminated by mutual consent on Tuesday, allowing Ward to return to Australia and join Victory.

Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said the signing of Ward was a welcome addition as the club looks to boost itself back into the top four ahead of the A-League Finals Series.

“We’re unbelievably pleased to secure Nick Ward for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League season and for the upcoming 2008 AFC Champions League,” Cole said.

“Nick is a current Olyroo and was part of the team that qualified for next year’s Olympic Games.

“He was the best Under 20 player in the first A-League season and is an exciting prospect for the club.

“He’s an energetic midfielder who can run from penalty area to penalty area and also scores goals. He’s a fantastic addition to our squad.”

Nick Ward
Date of birth: 24 March 1985
Place of birth: Perth, Western Australia
Nationality: Australian
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 79 kg
Previous clubs: 2000-02 Joondalup City (WA)
2003 Australian Institute of Sport
2003-04 Perth Glory (Australia)
2004 Stirling Lions (WA)
2005-06 Perth Glory (Australia)
2006-07 Queens Park Rangers (England)
2006-07 Brighton (England)
Representative honours: Qantas Young Socceroos (16 appearances, 4 goals)
Qantas Under 23s (14 appearances, 2 goals)