Bristol Rovers are delighted to announce the signing of Grant Ward following his release from Blackpool.
Ward, 28, began his playing career at Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, signing with the north London club in 2011.
In March 2014, he joined MLS outfit Chicago Fire on loan. His debut for the club was delayed until May 2014 due to an injury to his metatarsal. His first goal for Chicago Fire came in a 5-1 loss against San Jose Earthquakes. At the end of the 2013/14 season, Ward returned to Spurs.
The following season, Ward joined Coventry City on another loan deal away from north London and would go on to make 11 appearances for the Sky Blues over the course of his stay.
At the start of the 2015/16 season, he departed Spurs on loan for the third time in three seasons, this time signing for Rotherham United on a six-month loan deal. After extending his loan spell for the rest of the season, Ward continued to be a regular in the first team and helped the club avoid relegation. For his performances that season, Ward won the club's Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Year award.
Ward joined Ipswich Town in 2016, signing a three-year deal on an undisclosed fee, believed to be £600K. On his debut, he scored a hat-trick in 39 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute in an opening-day 4–2 win over Barnsley. He made 46 appearances in all competitions during his first season at the club, scoring six goals.
He continued to be a first-team regular during the 2017–18 season, making 37 appearances over the course of the season, scoring two goals.
In December 2019, Ward joined Blackpool, making 58 appearances during his time with the Seasiders, scoring twice.
After signing for the Gas, Grant - who will wear squad number 8 - said: "I'm delighted to be here and I've joined at an exciting time for the club, with good things happening both on and off the pitch."
Rovers manager Joey Barton said: "Grant is a really good player, with excellent experience at our level, having been promoted out of League One with Blackpool. We are delighted to have him with us and he will be a quality addition to our group."