Joel Ward revealed his sense of optimism ahead of the new season, after the Eagles dispatched Watford 3-1 in their final pre-season match.
Ward, who recently signed a new contract, explained that “pre-season games get you into a position where you can go out and feel confident in your body, confident in your play and the way in which you play.
“So we’ll just make sure that, come Saturday, we’re ready for Chelsea and can give a good account, compete and give ourselves the best chance.”
He acknowledges the importance of the start of the Premier League, as he goes on to state that “the real test starts next week when we cross the white line against Chelsea and the Premier League kicks off.”
With this his 10th season in south London, Ward is one of the more experienced players at the club and he is aware of his changing role within the dressing room.
“Each one of us [senior pros] have got a certain role, each one of us has got a slightly different role from what it may have been in the past.
“It’s great to be out there and continuing the journey, hopefully we get off to a flyer.”
