Charlton completed the signing of versatile 32-year-old Nottingham Forest front man, Jamie Ward, before the loan window deadline closed on Friday. He became the Addicks’ sixth summer signing.

Ward is a right-footer who primarily operates on the left flank, but he can also play on the right or down the middle.

He is a high energy player who both creates and scores goals. Here is what Lee Bowyer said after completing the signing:
“I’m delighted. Jamie is another great addition to the squad. He brings experience, which we need to balance it up with the young squad that we’ve got.

“He’s a good player who can play out wide, either wing, behind the strikers, anywhere up the top. He’s an explosive player who is going to make chances for our forwards.

“We’ve had to be patient, which I said we would do, to bring in the quality that we have. I think it was definitely worth waiting for.

“We’ve got a lot of Championship players there and Jamie has now added to the experience with that.”

Ward himself was thrilled with the move, and recalled that The Valley has been a happy hunting‎ ground for him:

‎”I’m obviously delighted. It’s a big opportunity for me to join a club I’ve always enjoyed playing against. It’s an important time for myself to get games under my belt and hopefully help Charlton go in the right direction and push up the league.

“I scored a few times at The Valley. I scored a penalty in one game, I’ve scored two in another game and I’ve scored a free-kick in another game, so I’ve always had good times when I’ve been there with other teams. So hopefully those good times will carry on with my goalscoring record at the ground.”

‎Head of Recruitment, Steve Gallen, explained what Ward would bring to the team:

“Jamie is a bundle of energy. Great enthusiasm, great attitude. I’ve known him for years as he’s been playing at a high level, so I think a lot of us are aware of him but I rang Neil Warnock today who had him at Cardiff at the end of last season.

“His exact words were, ‘He’s a gem, great attitude, great lad, will work hard for ya’.

“What we see him bringing to the team is that he can play in a few different positions, his running is the main thing, his enthusiasm, he wants to get at players and run in behind teams. We think he’ll get some assists for us and we think we’ll get some goals from him.

“I think he’ll be a fans’ favourite and he’ll certainly be a players’ favourite because his attitude is top drawer and his professionalism as well. The fans will love his attitude and his energy.”

The‎ signing came too late for Ward to be involved in Saturday’s game at Southend, and he will be away on international duty with Northern Ireland next week.