“Defender Joel Ward has joined from Portsmouth £400,000 after he agreed a four year contract,” it read – before the soon-to-be long-associated hashtag: “#cpfc.”
On this day in 2012: Joel Ward joins Crystal Palace
On this day (28th May) in 2012, before the days of flashy announcements and viral videos, there was a simple Tweet, timed at 7.32pm.
Little did any of us know, at that time, that such an understated arrival would in fact mark the arrival of a modern Palace legend, who recently bade farewell to the club after 13 years' outstanding service.
His farewell Palace TV interview, 'A Life at Palace', is a special one – and you can watch it again now, below.
The Hampshire-born defender joined Palace at the start of the club’s successful promotion-winning season from the Championship, 2012/13, and was an instant success, playing a huge role in the club’s rise to the Premier League – including a dramatic goal-line clearance in the play-off final against Watford at Wembley.
He has been a core member of the team ever since, excelling through promotion, two FA Cup Finals and Palace’s longest top-flight spell, as well as taking on the club captaincy in the 2023/24 season.
Ward’s achievements are innumerable, the milestones countless. The word ‘legend’ is arguably overused in modern football – but simply not so here.
So many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.
—Joel Ward
How does Joel Ward wish to be remembered by Crystal Palace supporters?
He smiles wryly, pausing for thought: “How do I want the fans to remember me? Hopefully, that I gave everything for the club... and that I’m one of their own, I guess.
“For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club. From the outset all I’ve wanted to do is play football – and I’ve achieved that. I’ve achieved a dream of mine to play at the highest level and to play in the Premier League.
“It’s been an incredible journey, so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.”
Only one thing for it, then, upon the announcement two weeks ago that – after 13 years with the club – Ward would be leaving the club upon the expiration of his current contract: a trip down memory lane.
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Dial back the clock and we’re in 2012/13 again – one of the most important seasons in the 164-year history of Crystal Palace Football Club.
“Jeez, that seems like a lifetime ago,” Ward chuckles, staring at the first photograph of many paving his wall of nostalgia in a South London studio.
“Not the best start to the season, but that season was remembered for one thing and one thing only – and that was the promotion.
“I don’t think we had the expectation that we were going to get promoted that season, but it was certainly in the plan to try and take this club to the next level... Thankfully, that’s kind of happened!”
They're doing incredible things, the team is thriving, and we're reaching new heights
—Joel Ward
The first set of Wembley photos are next: the aforementioned 1-0 win over Watford in extra-time, thanks to Wilfried Zaha’s driving run, Kevin Phillips’ penalty, Julián Speroni’s super saves, a fierce collective team effort – and Ward’s remarkable last-gasp intervention.
In short: a day out at Wembley to remember... the first of several, it came to transpire.
“It still gives me goosebumps now kind of looking back!” Ward laughs. “Jeez, I couldn’t even grow a beard at that point, look…
“I think the moment that obviously changed the course for this club, and for me personally, was the play-off final. To win that and to take this club into the Premier League… now you look at it, it's obviously thriving in the Premier League.
“They're doing incredible things, the team is thriving, and we're reaching new heights, so that's an incredible moment to cherish.”
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Ward’s trip down memory lane takes him to more landmarks: his first Crystal Palace goal – a calmly-taken curler against Queens Park Rangers in March 2015, and subsequent memorable celebration, and a run to his first FA Cup Final – against Manchester United – in 2015/16.
Ward played the full 120 minutes that day – extra-time again at Wembley – but this time finished on the losing side. It is fitting that a return to the venue a week-and-a-half ago saw him win the first major trophy of his career.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a time, but a thoroughly enjoyable one,” Ward said after the glorious 2025 Final, which ended with him raising the trophy alongside Marc Guéhi.
“To do what we did was just incredible – it was written in the stars, and everyone at the club believed we could do it. This group of players are a special, special group – and they’re history makers.”
The photos taken on the day – and ever since – show it all.
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In the Premier League, Ward would become a model of consistency in South London’s famous red and blue – a stalwart of the side under multiple managers – and, during 23/24, club captain under Roy Hodgson, leading the way with his experience, professionalism and dedication to the highest standards.
“Week in, week out at Selhurst, there’s never a dull moment,” he smiles. “The fans are always lifting the roof. You go to many other clubs, and I don’t think they’ve got the same passion for the club that they support.
“When you step through the door and you come into a club like this, it’s infectious. The Chairman and the fans have created a culture and an atmosphere and an environment such that, when players play for this club, they always take a little slice of the club with them.”
The fans are always lifting the roof. You go to many other clubs, and I don't think they've got the same passion for the club that they support.
—Joel Ward
Ward’s other great passion? His family – his emotions shining through when he talks about them: his wife, Jessica; their two young boys, and their baby girl, born just days before the recent Final; and their role, love and support in his life.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have, from day one, an incredibly supportive network around me, in my family, my parents, my siblings, my friends, and my extended family,” Ward says proudly.
“My wife has been someone who’s been on this journey from the moment it started, really. From back then, to up to this moment here, she’s supported me. She’s been a rock for me.
“It’s the biggest honour, by far, to be a father. To walk out with these boys is special.”
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A family man for a family club. A man of dignity, pride, principles – and a footballer of the most esteemed quality and character.
“Certainly this club has a piece of my heart, and red and blue runs through my veins,” Ward comes full circle.
“Every picture here tells a story. It tells a moment – and there’ve been some incredible moments to cherish.
“It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life.
“Obviously, I came from somewhere else. But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family.
“This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely a ‘see you later.’”
And all of that from a 102-character Tweet.
Joel Ward: thank you.