GOALKEEPER Lewis Ward could return to Swindon Town from the start of next season, head coach Jody Morris revealed on Thursday.

Ward spent the 2021-22 campaign at Swindon but chose to depart at the end of the most recent summer transfer window in a bid to gain more regular playing time.

Despite interest from Cambridge United, Ward was sold to Sutton United for an undisclosed fee on deadline day.

After an awkward spell at the Robins’ League Two rivals ended in January following just 10 appearances, Ward returned to training with Town and the two parties were hopeful of agreeing a new short-term contract.

But a legal dispute from Sutton prevented that from happening, and Ward has been in limbo ever since.

With loan stopper Sol Brynn due to head back to Middlesbrough in the summer, Morris revealed he was more than open to the idea of Ward coming back into the club’s goalkeeping ranks.

Morris said: “There are talks regarding what’s going to be happening from a goalkeeper aspect next year which we’re not to the bottom of.

“There is definitely a chance [Lewis might be involved next year].

“But when you’re working at this level and there are certain things going on, if you’re doing one thing over here, does that affect what’s going on over there?

“I’ve got a lot of time for Lewis. He’s been nothing but a top pro since I arrived, he’s trained properly, he’s good around the lads.

“That’s something that I’ll be looking at, but at the same time, we need to see what we’re able to do working closely with [Steve Mildenhall] regarding where we think we need to be. From there, we can see whether that is doable or not.”

Another player who may follow Ward through the door for the start of pre-season training is Tom Brewitt.

The Liverpudlian recently revealed to Adver Sport that early discussions have begun over a new contract.

His head coach verified that story in Thursday’s pre-match press conference, saying Brewitt is a couple of games away from an automatic extension.

Morris said: “I think there’s a case for Tom to be here next season, for sure. He’s another one who has taken his opportunity.

“He was a free agent – I’m not really sure the type of options he had in this country, I think they were all abroad – so he’s certainly put himself in a position where he looks like he’s taken his opportunity.

“And he’s certainly given himself the best chance to be here next year. That’s testament to his character and how hard he’s worked to force his way into this team.

“The last couple of performances, he’s performed at a level at which I hope he can continue.”