Defender Ward was regarded as one of the Mariners' hottest prospects after breaking into the reserve team four years ago. A product of the Grimsby College Academy, Ward marked one of his first reserve team apperances by marking Bolton's Dean Holdsworth out the game.
Since then Ward moved out wide into a rightback slot and for a spell looked to be the latest in a line of talented rightbacks to come through the youth system - John McDermott and Danny Butterfield before him.
However whilst players of his age developed at a higher physical rate Ward was soon struggling and was often out muscled by youngers players in reserve games.
The Cleethorpes born youngster did get his chances last season and despite looking nervous showed glimpses of talent.
His best moment in a Town shirt came during the 3-1 victory over Derby at Pride Park on Boxing Day 2002. Handed a defensive midfield role Ward looked at ease against Derby's big names but sadly never continued his form.
Ward made no secret of his frustration with his plight and will now quit professional football in favour of university.
Bolder signed for Town in the summer of 2001 as part of Lennie Lawrence's plans to aid the failing youth system. Released by his hometown Hull City, Bolder arrived at Blundell Park with a point to prove.
His early games for the reserves saw an all action midfielder with more than a keen eye for goal. If ever Town looked to have a natural replacement for Alan Pouton, Bolder was it.
Oddly the club coached Bolder into becoming a more defensive minded midfielder after his first season. The two seasons afterwards Bolder lacked the same impact of his debut year and struggled.
Despite not having the same impact for the reserves, he got more first chances and whilst not overly impressing, never let himself down. His future is now unclear.
The decision of Ward's release is no suprise to most. The player wasn't happy in the game and it is more than likely he would have snubbed any attempts to keep him at the club. Bolder however comes as more of a suprise. Personally I feel a 'cheap' player like Bolder may well have proved a useful squad player in the third division. Whoever is making the contract decisions at the club obviously disagreed.