Background
Ward was born in Middleton, Lancashire, the son of a coal mining engineer
Ward was born in Middleton, Lancashire, the son of a coal mining engineer
He attended William Hulme"s Grammar School, which opted for Rugby and Lacrosse as the school sports over football. He then played for Cheadle Town Youth, and chose to become an apprentice at Manchester City above an offer from Blackburn Rovers.
Ward had a spell with Manchester United in the 1986-1987 season, making 16 appearances for the club"s Junior B team He played for at least a dozen different clubs in a long career, including Crewe Alexandra, where he made his name, Norwich City, Derby County, Barnsley and Blackburn Rovers and Bradford City. Barnsley signed Ward from Derby County in September 1997, shortly after their promotion to the Premier League.
Throughout their debut season in the Premier League he scored some crucial and memorable goals including the only goal in 1-0 winners against Liverpool and Aston Villa at Anfield and Villa Park respectively.
However he was unable to prevent Barnsley"s relegation at the end of that season. In November 1998, whilst still playing for Barnsley in a match at Sunderland, Ward scored, missed a penalty and got sent off in the space of five minutes, with all incidents also involving Sunderland defender Darren Williams.
Ward retired in the summer of 2005. A commercial property business.
Operating Abafields, a nursing home in Bolton bought for development but now operating under a manager
Managing a £15million luxury property development company Bilton Ward Developments.
Formed in 2002 the company specialises in the building and renovation of luxury homes, many for football players including Kevin Campbell and Wayne Rooney. Interior design is often done by former Changing Rooms designer Laura McCree.