"When I came we were facing relegation and a return to the Conference, but we've stopped that and increased the expectancy level.
"When we lose two games in a row, a lot of people get concerned.
"We have a good squad of young players, a good youth policy which has been strengthened, and we have become more established."
Ward has faced some criticism over the past few months for his inability to secure players of a higher calibre, though few could argue that he's failed to keep a steady ship.