Colchester United have appointed Elliott Ward as under-18 coach

The 37-year-old, who made nearly 400 appearances during his successful professional playing career, has left his role as Chelmsford City's academy to take up the role at Florence Park.

Ward's arrival ties in with U's under-18 boss Liam Bailey, who had been managing the club's under-23s last season following Dave Huzzey's promotion to first-team duties, returning to Pitching In Isthmian League division north side Maldon and Tiptree as assistant manager, alongside newly-installed boss and former U's favourite Paul Abrahams.

Ward started his career at West Ham United and went on to play for the likes of Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Coventry City - where he worked under former Colchester assistant boss Micky Adams - before finishing his playing days at Chelmsford in July, 2021.

He played in every professional league in England.

📰 We can confirm that @AcademyClarets' Assistant Manager, Elliott Ward, has accepted a coaching role with @ColU_Official's U18s.

The Club would like to congratulate Wardy on his progression and wish him all of the best for the future 🤝

— Chelmsford City FC (@OfficialClarets) July 11, 2022

Writing on the Chelmsford website, chairman Steve Shore and academy manager Mickey Spillane expressed their gratitude to Ward for all his work with the National League South club.

Shore said: “The club is delighted that we have been part of Elliott’s journey into football coaching and management and wish him all the best in his new role at Colchester United.

"Elliott has been incredibly supportive of both me and the club during his time here for which I am very grateful."

Spillane added: “Wardy has been here since the start of our journey at our Academy and has played a hugely significant part in where we are today, his knowledge of the game, enthusiasm, and desire to improve the players has been a huge asset to the club.

“He’s been a pleasure to work alongside and together we have shared a lot of success over the past two years with our Youth Cup runs, winning leagues, and players progressing into the first team, so naturally myself and the players are all going to miss him.

“He’s now earned an exciting opportunity and goes with all of CCFC’s blessing and have no doubt within his coaching journey Wardy will continue to impress and we wish him all the best in his future”

Ward first joined Chelmsford as a player in February 2020 and became the club's academy assistant manager after signing up for another year with them, that summer.

Under the guidance of Ward and Mickey Spillane, the Clarets made the FA Youth Cup second round.

Ward helped lead Chelmsford to a Champions of Champion victory after winning their National League U19 Alliance division, last season.

The Clarets' academy also had another great FA Youth Cup run, making it to the second round proper.