Burton Albion have displayed significant interest in Dundee United defender Ryan Edwards, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
Edwards, who captained the Terrors last season, shall be leaving Tannadice Park upon the expiration of his contract. Having made 36 appearances across all competitions last season, the 29-year-old was a regular in Dundee’s starting eleven but will be moving on to pastures new.
The Terrors had a woeful season, conceding a league high 70 goals, on their way to a bottom of the table finish. To make matters worse, bitter rivals Dundee FC gained promotion from the Championship and will be playing top flight football in their place next season. The departure of Edwards signifies a potential rebuild at the club, and it would be no surprise to see their club captain return to English football.
Who Is Ryan Edwards?
Having been at Dundee United for the past three seasons, amassing 112 appearances for the Tangerines, it looks as if a return to English football for the 29-year-old could be imminent. Having already made a combined 242 appearances in League One and Two, Edwards brings plenty of good experience with him in English football, alongside his experience across the border. Having played for the likes of Blackburn, Rochdale, Fleetwood, Chesterfield, Tranmere, Morecambe, Plymouth and Blackpool before Dundee he can be described as somewhat of a journeyman. Edwards’ most consistent spell came with Morecambe in League Two, making 120 league appearances and with Plymouth, who he appeared 61 times for in the third tier. A tall and physical defender, Edwards’ aerial presence can also be used down the other end of the pitch to create chances from set-pieces.
How Would He Improve Burton?
Burton could be an ideal destination for Edwards this transfer window, who at 29 years-of-age, already has plenty of experience under his belt. Albion have already lost some depth in defence with Cameron Borthwick-Jackson being released, as well as Jasper Moon, Sam Lavelle and Zac Ashworth all returning to their parent clubs. There is certainly an opening in the back line at the Pirelli Stadium, and Edwards may just be the man to fill that spot.
Preserving their League One status was the main aim for Albion last season and they did just that, finishing 15th in the table on 56 points. That being said, they did leak 79 goals at the back, the second most goals in the league only bettering bottom of the table Forest Green Rovers. It is obvious where the problems lie and the leadership qualities of the Englishman could considerably help to turn the defence around at the club.
Writer’s View
With the amount of experience that Edwards would bring, this is a no-brainier. Burton’s defence was woeful last season and the addition of the big Englishman would no doubt greatly bolster the back line. He could be an instant starter at the Pirelli and will be a real leader at the heart of the defence if he did join. This is certainly a player who Albion should be pursuing.
