Walsall complete signing of goalkeeper Jed Ward from Bristol Rovers

Walsall have completed the signing of former England under-20 goalkeeper Jed Ward from Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has joined the Saddlers after five seasons at the Memorial Stadium and has penned a three-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

His arrival has bolstered the goalkeeping department - following the expiry of Myles Roberts’ loan from Watford and Sam Hornby’s subsequent departure to non-league neighbours Hednesford Town.

And he also becomes the Saddlers’ sixth signing of the summer transfer window, after the arrivals of James Connolly, Sven Sprangler, Isaac Moore (on loan), Lewis Simper and Andrew Dallas.

Ward made 42 appearances in all competitions after coming through the ranks with the Gas in 2021.

He spent the previous campaign on loan at Yeovil Town in the National League - registering 11 clean sheets in 46 appearances.

In addition, Ward has also enjoyed loan spells with Forest Green Rovers, Hungerford Town and Wealdstone respectively.

The young shot-stopper also earned two caps for England under-20s in June 2024, where he was given the nod over Arsenal’s Tommy Setford and former Saddlers loanee Tommy Simkin.

Ward made his under-20s debut in a 2-1 victory over Sweden and starred again four days later in a 2-2 draw against Republic of Ireland.

His debut for Rovers came at the age of just 17 when he started in a 1-0 defeat at Blackpool in May 2021.

After spending the first half of 2023-24 on loan at Wealdstone, Ward returned to amass 18 appearances for Rovers during the second half of the season.

Following another loan at Forest Green, he once again played 18 times upon his return to the Mem in 2025.

Ward was one of six players to be made available for either transfer or loan by Rovers at the end of last season.