 He turned professional in July 2005 after recovering from injuries received in a car crash in 2004.Although Ward captained Aston Villa's reserve team, he did not make a first team appearance and in March 2006 he joined Stockport County on loan until the end of the season, making his league debut in a 1–0 victory away to Bury on 7 March.He made nine appearances, scoring once in a 3–1 home victory against Shrewsbury Town.