Watford ace Helen Ward eyes ‘last chance’ to lift trophy in play-off battle with Nottingham Forest

HELEN WARD never envisaged her football career would one day lead to her painted in  a giant mural at Vicarage Road.

Today the striker, 37, will end her journey as a player by attempting to help Watford return to the Women’s Championship. 

GettyHelen Ward will hang up her boots following Watford’s clash with Nottingham Forest in the Women’s National League play-off final[/caption]

Ward hopes to help her side win promotion to the Women’s Championship

The lifelong Watford fan will captain her team when they go to battle for promotion with third tier rivals Nottingham Forest

The Women’s National League play-off final at the home of MK Dons’ will see the Golden Girls skipper play her final match before retiring.  

Ward, who is a mother of two and began her career at Watford at 15, said:  “If you’d have asked me if I’d still be playing at 37 I’d have said absolutely no chance. 

“That in itself is an achievement. It just sort of  went from season to season and I’ve kept playing because I loved it.

For me personally, with this being my last game and my last season, it (winning promotion) would be a magical way to finish 

“To do this with the club where I started it all would be amazing and I’ve got one last chance to lift a trophy. 

“There’s been so much going on behind the scenes and so many people working hard to put us in a position to be competing at this stage in the season.”

Watford’s clash with Nottingham Forest comes six days after the club celebrating Ward’s career by unveiling a mural of her at Vicarage Road’s North-West corner. 

The artwork created by features Ward in her club shirt and in action for Wales. 

The Brent-born player who retired from international football in March, is Wales all-time goalscorer with 44 goals in 105 appearances. 

Of the mural, Ward adds: “It was a big surprise, a huge surprise. I’d absolutely no idea that it was coming. 

“It’s a bit daunting seeing a big, big version of your own face on the wall

“But it’s something that means a lot to myself and my family and to be up there with the likes of Luther Blissett, Graham Taylor and Elton John.

“Their legendary status is clear for anyone to see at the club. 

“I’m not going to put myself in that category but to be considered as someone worthy of having a mural at the stadium is incredible and as a Watford fan, it’s really special

Reflecting on her career for Wales, Ward said: “There was no vision of what I might or might not achieve. 

“The international stuff sort of came when I was I think I was 22 and I made my debut. 

“Even that came fairly late in the day when you look at how young players are making their debuts now.

“ I’ve just taken everything as it’s come on the way and never really tried to think too far ahead which has probably helped me. 

“I think if you get too concerned with what might happen or what you’re trying to achieve in the future, you can get distracted.

“It’s been a whirlwind and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve lived and for every team that I’ve played for and every club mate that I’ve had.” 

Watford’s duel with Nottingham Forest will see the sides go head-to-head for the first time since Forest’s 3-2 triumph in the Women’s National League Cup final. 

And Ward, who enjoyed spells at Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading before her 2017 Golden Girls return is hopeful of a different outcome this time. 

The striker adds: “In the League Cup (final) it was a tight game.

“We both have learned a lot about each other but I don’t expect much to change in terms of how either team approaches the game. 

“I believe in this squad and I believe we’ve got the players to get us over the line.”

Today’s clash between Watford and Forest will be the last ever Women’s National League play-off final. 

Next season will see the winners of Women’s National League Northern and Southern Premier divisions promoted to the Championship. 

The FA’s promotion and relegation shake-up between the divisions means two teams will be relegated from tier two next term rather than one. 

GettyFrom next season the winners of the Women’s National League North and South divisions will be promoted to the Championship[/caption]

Ward added: “It’s a real shame that whoever doesn’t win isn’t going to get promoted 

“It’s been a shame ever since the play-off has been a thing and thankfully, this is the last one of its kind

“I think the FA have come to a really sensible decision for next season in terms of making it two up and two down and that’s that’s great for the game.”

Nottingham Forest vs Watford can be watched live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport’s web site from 1:00 pm