Ward, 42, was arrested at a house he rented in Prescot, Merseyside back in May when police seized 4 kilos (9lb) of the class-A drug.
Ward admitted knowing the drugs were on the premises but denied that he was the owner of the drugs.
In sentencing Ward, Judge John Phipps said, “It is indeed regrettable to see a former professional footballer of your ability reduced to this.
“Since your retirement from professional football 10 years or so ago life has been difficult for you and you have very much fallen on hard times but you have got yourself involved in drugs trafficking.”
Mark Ward will best be remembered at Upton Park for playing his part in the ‘boys of 86’ side which came third in the old First Division in the 1985/86 season.