Swindon Town are in talks to sign experienced centre-half Ryan Edwards following the expiration of his contract at Dundee United, according to journalist Alan Nixon via a post on his Patreon.
The 29-year-old defender has recently departed SPFL side Dundee United and is in talks with the League Two outfit, who finished 10th in the fourth tier in the 2022/23 campaign.
Michael Flynn’s side are one of a number of sides interested in adding the defender to their ranks this summer, with League One side Burton Albion and Australian outfit Newcastle Jets also in the race for his signature.
What’s been said?
Journalist Alan Nixon has stated on his Patreon:
“Swindon Town are in talks with experienced centre half Ryan Edwards after he left SPFL side Dundee United.
“The League Two outfit hope to win the chase with Burton Albion for the defender, who looks set to return to England.
“Edwards was with Plymouth Argyle and Blackpool, before heading North where he was skipper of the Tayside club. Australian side Newcastle Jets are also keen.”
Who is Ryan Edwards?
The Liverpool-born defender came through the academy ranks at Blackburn Rovers, signing a professional contract at Ewood Park in 2012. Edwards learnt his trade in the lower divisions being loaned out to the likes of Rochdale, Fleetwood Town, Chesterfield and Morecambe.
Not making the cut at Blackburn, the centre-back returned to Morecambe following the expiry of his contract at Rovers, making a permanent switch to the League Two side on a two-year deal. At the Mazuma Stadium, he made 127 appearances across three years, scoring his first career goal against Portsmouth in 2016.
After an impressive three-year spell with the Shrimps, Edwards earnt a move to newly promoted League One outfit Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 2017, making 68 appearances at Home Park and scoring nine goals.
Following Argyle’s relegation from the third tier in the 2018-19 season, the Merseyside man remained in the division, returning to Lancashire with Blackpool on a two-year deal. Ryan made 21 appearances before departing further North to sign for Dundee United the following summer.
Enjoying three years at Tannadice Park, Edwards made 112 appearances for The Terrors, scoring eight goals for the Scottish side, as well as captaining the Tayside club on multiple occasions.
Writer’s View
This would be a good signing for Swindon Town. The Robins conceded too many goals last season which kept them out of the promotion mix in the second half of the last campaign.
Michael Flynn will look to make his stamp on this side after taking over this summer, the leadership of Ryan Edwards would be invaluable to his rebuild.
Swindon are currently not considered amongst the favourites for promotion by neutrals, a centre-half that has vast experience in the EFL with excellent leadership qualities could change their hopes going into the 2023-24 campaign. However, I believe more is needed to get The Robins firmly into a promotion mix.
Be the first to comment