Bentleigh Greens have secured the services of former A-League man Nick Ward.

The Perth-born midfielder joins after a long career in Australia’s top flight and, earlier, a stint in English football.

Making an NSL debut with Perth Glory in 2003-04 followed by a short spell at Stirling Lions, after a strong introduction in the A-League with Perth Glory Ward took out the A-League Young Player of the Year in 2005-06, subsequently attracting the interest of overseas clubs.

He signed for Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers in 2006, where he made a total of 20 appearances and netted once and had a loan stint at then-League One side Brighton and Hove Albion.

Ward returned to Australia in search of regular football and joined Melbourne Victory. At his time there the club took out the 2008-09 Premiership-Championship double, with Ward starting in the triumphant Grand Final.

He departed in 2010 after 46 games and five goals for Victory, signing for Wellington.

There he stayed for a couple of seasons, with a move in between to Greek club Iraklis scuppered due to legal issues.

He spent a season at Perth Glory afterwards, netting twice in 23 games, and also had short stints at Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney.

One of the most-travelled A-League players, the 32-year-old’s career spanned six clubs in total.

He now joins John Anastasiadis’ side which is hot on the trails of NPL ladder leader Heidelberg United, while also competing on the FFA Cup/Dockerty Cup fronts, becoming the second signing after Dimi Hatzimouratis.