DARREN Ward's has joined Crawley Town on loan, concluding his time at Swindon Town, with his contract at the County Ground set to expire at the end of his temporary switch to the Red Devils.

Reports from the local press covering the Mid Sussex club have confirmed what the Advertiser reported earlier, that the deal to take Ward will run until the end of the season, when his contract with Swindon expires.

His new boss at Crawley, Dean Saunders, highlighted the 36-year-old's professionalism and desire to play as a key factor in his signing.

The Broadfield chief was keen to sign Ward before the weekend to fill a defence currently full of holes and add some experience.

“We only went into the game last week with one defender so I felt I had to do something really quickly before the next game and I’ve done that," said the Crawley boss.

“Darren is a really experienced player and will be like a coach on the pitch which I felt we needed as we are a young outfit.

“Young players sometimes don’t know what decisions to make and experienced players know that. Having a voice at the back is vital for any team that wants to keep the ball out of the net.

“Darren played in the Premier League and played in a Cup final for Millwall so at his age he has learnt everything and seen everything.

“I’m not concerned he hasn’t played this season as he is a fitness fanatic and you are only as old as you feel. Age is a number when you are a footballer. Some players go when they are 30, some players can still play when they are 40.

“Obviously there will be things they can’t do. He wants to play 600 (league) games, he’s on 500 at the moment, and I’m sure he’ll be a good acquisition for us.”