Former Dundee United defender Ryan Edwards is weighing up his next move amid interest from a host of Championship and League One clubs, according to Pete O’Rourke of the Football Insider.
Yesterday, Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon that it was Swindon Town of League Two who were leading the race for the former Blackburn Rovers player but it would now appear they face tough competition from clubs in the second tier.
Despite enduring a tough season at Tannadice that would eventually end in relegation to the Scottish Championship, central defender Edwards is still a much-coveted asset after letting his contract come to an end with the United. Last season was one of turmoil at the club. They had three managers, a 7-0 defeat in Alkmaar and a record-breaking home defeat of 9-0 inflicted by Celtic to deal with in a season where positive performances were few and far between.
Edwards has been in Scotland for three seasons, having headed north after leaving Blackpool. After surviving relegation in his first season, he helped the club into the Europa Conference League Qualifiers for the 2022-23 season but the men from Tannadice were beaten by AZ Alkmaar over two legs. He could not help his side escape the drop this season as they finished bottom of the Scottish Premiership, nine points adrift of 10th place Kilmarnock having only managed eight wins all season.
During the 2021-22 season he would take over the club captaincy and was voted Players’ Player of the Season at the end of the campaign as the club finished 4th.
The defender already has plenty of English Football League experience, amassing over 240 games for the likes of Morecambe and Plymouth Argyle before playing over 100 times in Scotland. The Liverpudlian never made an appearance in the Blackburn first team but is now approaching his 400th professional match.
Writer’s View
Edwards has been lauded by former manager Jim Goodwin for his character, particularly after he was dropped from the team for important matches late in the season.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a character. He is terrific in training, sets really high standards every day and hasn’t allowed those to drop at all.” Goodwin told The Courier.
This suggests that whoever manages to win Edwards’ signature will be getting a player who will put the team first, demand high standards in training and lead by example. I believe Edwards would be a great signing for a team in League One or Two, bringing his experience and leadership qualities to the group.
At 29 years old, whether the defender can be persuaded to say no to Championship offers is perhaps doubtful as the opportunity to test himself at the highest possible level and the Championship level contract that will be offered may be too much to turn down.
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