Tony Pulis is delighted to have finally completed his first signing as Plymouth Argyle manager. 20-year-old West Ham United central defender Elliott Ward has travelled down to the Westcountry in search of more first team experience.
It has emerged that in the latter stages of finalising the loan move, former Argyle boss Neil Warnock, now at table-toppers Sheffield United, attempted to hijack the transfer and lure the young Hammer to Brammall Lane.
However, The Blades were unable to alter Ward's decision to move to Plymouth, much to the satisfaction of Tony Pulis. "We have beaten Sheffield United to sign him", he said, "which shows how well thought of he is".
Ward is very highly-regarded at Upton Park, especially by Alan Pardew who says he has a great future ahead of him. After loan spells at Bristol Rovers and Peterborough, Pardew gave Ward his chance in the first team last season during a prolonged injury crisis. He was impressive and instrumental in the team's upturn in the form toward the end of last season, which saw West Ham win promotion back to The Premiership via the play-offs.
"He's only 20 and played in quite a few games for them last year", Tony Pulis added when speaking to the club's website, "including the play-off semi-final and final, so he's used to playing under pressure".
Elliott is a very promising talent and, I speak for all Argyle fans in saying, he is very welcome to ply his trade at Home Park. He may well be involved in The Pilgrims' away clash with Sheffield Wednesday tonight.