JOEL Ward says he is enjoying his learning curve with Cherries – despite experiencing the two most traumatic chapters of his brief career at Dean Court.

In a bombshell eight days, the unassuming teenager was sent off for the first time before Harry Redknapp, his manager at parent club Portsmouth, upped sticks for Tottenham.

Ward – who had never been booked in his life – received his marching orders after collecting two yellow cards during Cherries’ 4-1 defeat at Shrewsbury 10 days ago.

And on Sunday, he watched events unfold as Redknapp, the man who handed him his first professional contract in the summer, quit Fratton Park for White Hart Lane.

Ward, who is with Cherries on a season-long loan, told the Daily Echo: “Both events came as a big shock to me but you’ve got to learn to deal with these situations.

“At Shrewsbury, I thought the referee was just blowing for a free kick and it came as a shock when he sent me off. I had never had a yellow card before, never mind a red!

“I haven’t been at Portsmouth much recently and I don’t really know what’s been going on. But I certainly didn’t think the manager was going to go.

“I will always be very grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to come here. I’m not too sure who’s in the running but I’m sure they will bring in a good manager.”

Ward, who is in line to start in place of the suspended Lee Bradbury at Luton tonight, added: “It’s been positive and I’ve had positive feedback. It’s been a big learning curve for me but I’ve enjoyed my time here so far.

“It’s hard coming in on loan. As a young player, I hadn’t had any experience of league football before I came here. I’m grateful when I get my game-time because I’m getting that experience and I’m learning my trade. That’s the main thing I came here to do and hopefully I can improve.

“If I’m involved against Luton, I’ve got to take that opportunity. I know I might not play every week but people get injured and suspended and someone’s got to fill in and do the job. It’s a very big game and I think we’ve got to go there and get at them. We can’t sit back and give them too much respect. We’ve got to show them what we can do and we’ve got the players here to do that.”

Signed by Kevin Bond during pre-season, Ward, who has made eight league and cup appearances for Cherries, has also had to cope with a change of manager since his arrival.

Cherries’ new boss Jimmy Quinn said: “Joel had a really good game against Rotherham a couple of weeks ago and I would have no problems putting him in against Luton. He likes to get the ball down and pass it and is a good footballer.”