League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Grant Ward's debut hat-trick highlights opening-day memories in the EPL

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 7:41 AM

Last updated Jun 19, 2026

Grant Ward's debut hat-trick highlights opening-day memories in the EPL

Summary

As the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release approaches, various fans shared memorable opening-day experiences. Grant Ward made a significant impact in his debut for the home side during the 2016-17 season, scoring a hat-trick against Barnsley, contributing to a 4-2 victory. In contrast, another supporter recalled a disappointing match against Liverpool in August 2024, where their team squandered a strong position. Meanwhile, a trip to the Stadium of Light marked the start of a successful 2023-24 Championship campaign for another club, securing a 2-1 win. Fans anticipate the upcoming season and hope for similar memorable moments.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Fans reminisce about significant opening-day matches as 2026-27 season nears.
•Grant Ward's hat-trick against Barnsley highlighted the 2016-17 campaign.
•A different fan recalled disappointment in a Liverpool match in August 2024.
•A successful opener in 2023-24 led to back-to-back promotions.
•The 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be announced soon.

Latest Updates

7:41 AMYahoo Sports — Ward's debut hat-trick and a Stadium of Light trip - opening-day memories

What they're saying

"
With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most. The first half didn't last long in the memory, but at half-time we introduced new signing Grant Ward, who we had bought from Tottenham for about £500,000. Louis: My worst opening-day memory is being all over Liverpool only to then go and concede two goals against the run of play in August 2024.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Liverpool Tottenham Hotspur EPL Soccer