Derby County have kicked off their return to the Championship with a bang following their promotion last season. Winning three out of the first five games, including victories against Middlesbrough, Bristol City, and Cardiff City, has put them in a decent position in the league standings.

While the team is aiming to steer clear of a relegation battle in their first season back in the second division after spending two seasons in League One, there are concerns over Joe Ward’s playing time. Ward has only made two substitute appearances in the opening matches, raising questions about his future with the club.

Derby enthusiast Shaun Woodward expressed doubts about Ward’s prospects under the current tactical strategy, suggesting that a change might be necessary for him to see more action. Woodward highlighted that Ward’s style is better suited to a wing-back role rather than a traditional defensive full-back, indicating that he might need to consider seeking opportunities elsewhere for regular game time.

Signed from Peterborough United in 2023, Ward played a notable role in Derby’s second-place finish in League One last season. However, with limited minutes in the Championship so far, speculation about a potential January move for Ward has surfaced, especially if his playing time remains restricted in the coming months.

With other players currently ahead of him in the pecking order at Derby, the likelihood of Ward securing a spot in the first team under manager Paul Warne seems slim unless circumstances change. Given his contract situation and the need for regular game time, an exit in the upcoming transfer window could be a plausible scenario for all parties involved.