The 26-year-old has teamed up with former boss Phil Wilson at Stalybridge after finding his first team chances limited under Mark Gardiner.

"I'd like to thank the fans for their support and wish the club all the best," he said. "It will always have a special place in my heart.

"I didn't want to leave, but the manager made it clear I wasn't in his plans.

"I've only been playing Sunday League this year and that wasn't really good enough. I don't think I would have chosen Stalybridge but they were the only people who came in for me.

"Phil's promised me first team football and it'll be up to me to make sure I hang on to my place."

Ward arrived at the Drill Field in November 1995 after being signed by Brian Kettle. He started his career at Southport before moving to Bury, where he was a first team regular during the 1994-95 season.

The full back was a regular member of the Vics team which reached the 1996 FA Trophy final, but earned the unfortunate distinction of being sent off in the defeat to Macclesfield.

"Playing at Wembley was the high point of my time with Vics, although the outcome wasn't what I wanted," he admitted.

"The whole Trophy run was brilliant and the FA Cup game against Walsall at home was great too.

"But it was the supporters who made it really special, coming to away games and having a drink with us after the match."

Ward will slot into a Celtic side which has climbed steadily up the UniBond Premier Division since Wilson's arrival in October. He has made several changes in personnel and signed three players from Barrow, as well as Ward, this week.

"I can't see them being dragged down into the relegation area again," said Ward. "About 70% of the players there have got Conference experience. We should be looking at getting promoted next season. If we can, it would be nice to come back to The Drill Field."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.