WATCH: 'We're going all out to win' Ward spells out Crues Irish Cup ambitions ahead of showpiece final with Ballinamallard United
BetMcLean fooball show also features Mallards keeper John Connolly
Last updated 25th Apr 2019
Sean Ward says Crusaders have put their recent poor league run behind them – and they are raring to go for the Irish Cup final.
The veteran defender promises the Crues will be better next season.
But, in the meantime, the cup is the priority.
“We're disappointed all round but at the same time, we won’t take our eye off the Cup final which will be the biggest spectacle of the year for us. Everything now goes towards preparing for it,” he said.
Ward (35) is a guest on our latest BetMcLean show (in partnership with NIFL) which is an Irish League special.
This is now available to view on Cool FM’s Facebook page (see link below) and to download as a podcast.
The Crues take on Championship side, Ballinamallard, in the showpiece final at Windsor Park on May 4.
Ward says it should be a cracking encournter.
“We haven’t won our last number of games. Ballinamallard haven’t won their last number of games,” he said.
“But ultimately, it’s a one-off occasion here and it’s the biggest day of the footballing calendar year.
“The league will always be number one but this day is the day of the calendar year.”
However, Ward is only too aware of what is expected of Crusaders players in the league.
And he says next year things will be different.
“When you look at boys reflecting on their own performances this year, they know and they accept that it’s not good enough,” he said.
“They know that next year must be much, much better.
“Crusaders have built into a team now that are going for league championships, competitions and trophies. We’re hugely disappointed. I’ve heard players say that they aren’t affected as much as when they lose at Crusaders as when they are at Linfield. I’ve experienced both changing rooms and it couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Ward is joined this week by Mallards’ keeper John Connelly.