Championship Club Hand FA Cup Winner Footballing Return

FA Cup Hero Set for Football Return as Contract with Championship Club Signed

To be without a club for six months following a glorious, unlikely run to the FA Cup trophy is an extremely rare set of circumstances. Typically, the player in question played a huge part, is at the peak of his powers, and has countless interested clubs to choose from.

However, that is not the scenario that faced Crystal Palace’s Joel Ward after lifting the trophy. The English defender had already announced that he would be leaving the club at the end of his contract before their run to the final, and despite winning England’s most coveted cup competition, he did not change his decision, leaving at the end of last campaign.

📰| 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦

Joel Ward is set to sign for the Swans on a deal until the end of the season.

Thoughts?👇

(@BBCSportWales) pic.twitter.com/hC79xQT3C1

— Only Swans (@onlyswanss) January 8, 2026

However, he is set to return to professional football, with a contract reportedly settled with Championship side Swansea City.

A Last Hurrah

At 36 years of age, Ward is certainly past his prime, and with this move has entered into the twilight of his career. In the six months he has now been without a club, the former right-back even branched into TV commentary and punditry in preparation for his retirement.

However, it is clear he has maintained his fitness, trained outside of his new office hours, and clearly is in good enough shape to warrant a short-term six-month contract for a struggling 17th-placed Swansea side who desperately need extra quality in defence.

While he is getting on in age, Ward was a Premier League quality defender for years - he played 363 times for Crystal Palace in all competitions, while he also notched four Premier League appearances in the early stages of his career with Portsmouth.

As such, he has developed superb anticipation, composure and calm in possession and excellent positioning from his time in the top flights, traits that can be vital to turning a Championship side’s season on its head.

Conceding 33 goals in the Championship, improvements are certainly needed at the back for the Swans, and while Ward only brings in one experienced head, he will certainly buoy the mood in the Swansea camp.

Joel Ward left the biggest club in London to join the biggest club in Wales.

Major trophy winner to, some career. https://t.co/atLYG3uPVh

— luke🏆🦅 (@lukefuller__) January 9, 2026

He also brings a winning mentality and crucial nous about what is needed to taste success – after all, he was part of a Palace side that, over time, has become one of the most dangerous sides in the league, and played a big part in creating a template for how promoted sides can mastermind a reliable Premier League status.

Also capable of playing centre-back, Ward brings flexibility, and though he has only signed a six-month contract, he could prove to be the bargain signing of the season with his leadership, experience and trophy-winning nous. Keep an eye on Swansea.