Former Swindon Town goalkeeper Lewis Ward has joined League One side Charlton Athletic on a permanent deal.

The 26-year-old played five times in League Two this season having returned to the club in the summer, operating largely as the back-up to Murphy Mahoney for the club this season and started each game in the EFL Trophy.

The goalkeeper repeated his penalty-saving heroics from his first spell at the County Ground, memorably denying Matty Stevens from the spot during stoppage time of Town’s last game of 2023 to ensure that they finished the year with a 2-1 victory.

 

 

Ward came into the team following Mahoney’s season-ending injury against Tranmere Rovers, starting the next four games but would then lose his place against Crewe Alexandra following the signing of Jack Bycroft from Southampton.

The former Reading man left Swindon last week after losing his place in the starting line-up with multiple reports suggesting he was on the verge of this switch to Charlton.

The goalkeeper has signed a deal until the end of the season, with the League One club possessing an option to extend his deal for a further season.

The Addicks are on a difficult run in League One, presently residing in 13th in the third tier and are without a win since claiming victory over Cheltenham Town in November.

Speaking to club media, head coach Michael Appleton said: "We've needed a third goalkeeper since Sam Walker left the club and Lewis will bring a lot of experience.

"It's an opportunity for Ashley and Harry to be pushed further and the competition for places will rise."

Technical Director Andy Scott added: “Lewis comes in and brings us good goalkeeping cover. He's a good goalkeeper with experience, who has played games recently and will provide good competition for Ashley and Harry.”