Ward's return to Leek confirmed

Leek Town's official website is confirming news reported last night by This is Staffordshire that Peter Ward has returned as the Evo-Stik Division One South club’s new general manager of football.

Ward - who left Kidsgrove Athletic after six years last month - spent two years with the Blues from 1996, winning the Northern Premier League title and promotion to the Conference.

Leek confirm that Lee Casswell remains as first team manager at Harrison Park. Veteran Ward has been given the task of helping the club win promotion in the coming campaign.

Ward told thisisstafforshire.co.uk: "It's about trying to win the league. That's what we are after. Leek Town reached the play-offs last year and we want to improve on that.”

He added: "I'm really pleased to have the opportunity to be involved. I was sad to leave Kidsgrove, but what's happened is in the past and I wish them all the best. I hope at the end of next season we will be top of the league and they will be second."

This is Staffordshire is also reporting that a number of Ward's squad at Grove could follow him to the Staffordshire Moorlands. Leek say they are aware of the rumours already circulating on Twitter and in forums. Casswell isn't commenting until players can be officially registered with the Evo-Stik NPL on 1 July.

Ward is no stranger to Harrison Park having had a spell as assistant to Phil Wilson in the mid-90s before taking over the hot-seat himself in November 1996 and guiding the Blues to the title and into the Conference.

After a tough season in Non-League football’s top tier, he was sacked by the club in March 1998. He has also managed at Nantwich Town and Lancaster City.

At Grove, Ward led the club to four Staffordshire Senior Cup wins and a place in the promotion play-offs in 2009-10 after Kidsgrove finished fourth, their highest ever position in the Non-League Pyramid.