The 38-year-old has spent nearly two decades keeping out opposition strikers but the experienced shot stopper is in no mood to call time on his career just yet.

Ward has made 335 league appearances and nine as a substitute since making his debut for Cardiff City in the 1989-90 season, with Wrexham the 15th club of his professional career after starting off as a trainee with Aston Villa.

And Ward believes an excellent pre-season has left him fighting fit going into Wrexham's new Blue Square Premier campaign.

"Pre-season has gone fine personally," said Ward today. "This is the best I have felt for a few years now, both physically and mentally - I feel great.

"I have been able to do more pre-season than I have sometimes in the past.

"I've always kept fit but because of niggles I have not been able to do as much as I have this pre-season.

"But I've done a lot of strength training and fitness work and that will stand me in good stead this season.

"I'm still enjoying it but the older you get, you have to think about slowing down. I know what I need to do and when to do it.

"I feel good and long may it continue."

Having been given three 45 minute run-outs and a full match against Colwyn Bay last weekend in Wrexham's four public friendlies, Ward has yet to concede a goal.

Ward, who is likely to be between the posts in Saturday's final pre-season friendly at Stafford Rangers on Saturday, said it is what happens from August 9 - when Wrexham kick-off the season against Stevenage - that really counts.

"It is nice to keep clean sheets, whether it is pre-season, in the league or whatever," said Ward.

"All the players have worked hard, the new lads have settled in and there is a good spirit in the camp.

"But the real stuff starts next week and it is no use keeping clean sheets if you don't start the season well."

Ward, who became Wrexham's first choice goalkeeper after arriving from Chester City in January, penning an 18 month contract, wants to put the disappointment of relegation behind him by challenging for promotion this term.

"That's gone now. It was a disaster all round for the whole club," said Ward.

"We all had to hold our hands up and take responsibility, both personally and collectively.

"We know it was not good enough and that is why we are where we are.

"We just have to get on with this season and hit the ground running, and pick up some wins at the start.

"It is a long, hard season but I think we have got a good blend of youth, legs and experience, and we will be okay."

Having been a consistent performer with the likes of Leicester City, Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City, Ward will be travelling to grounds he has never set eyes on during his career.

But Ward is taking trips to the likes of Lewes and Eastbourne in his stride.

"I am looking forward to it," said Ward.

"We will be going to places I have never been before; you have to take positives where there are negatives.

"I hope it makes the young lads appreciate where they are and what they have got at Wrexham.

"We are there to be shot at as one of the big boys and teams will come and have a real go at The Racecourse. It is up to us take that pressure and see it as a challenge."

Competition at The Racecourse for the number one jersey comes in the shape of Anthony Williams who, despite being on the transfer list, has been given a chance by manager Brian LIttle in pre-season and has turned in some solid performances.

Chris Maxwell was also handed a first professional contract in the summer and Ward welcomed the competition for a starting berth.

"With any player, they are a professional and want to be in the team - we all do," added Ward. "Nothing is guaranteed in football as I have seen in my career.

"You need competition at any club and there are three good keepers here.

"It is each one of us to push each other, and it is up to whoever is not in the team to try and take the shirt.

Ward and his team-mates spent the day paintballing in Frodsham on a team bonding exercise while manager Little was returning from a trip to Ireland where he engaged in some media work and also took the opportunity to watch some matches.

And Little hopes to make more scouting missions to Ireland in an attempt to unearth talented players.

"I was able to watch a bit of football over there and I want to do more of that to see what is out there," said Little. "Sunderland have got three or four really good lads from out there."

But having made seven summer signings, Little concedes that he is almost certain to enter the new season with the current squad although he will monitor the transfer market before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

"Two or three weeks into the season, clubs will have people not in the team and they will be knocking on the managers door," added Little. "But at the moment it is pretty much where we are for the start of the season."

Ask Brian

If you have a question for Brian Little email it to digitalnews@nwn.co.uk and we'll ask as many as we can during our next video interview with the Reds boss this Thursday.