Midfield-man hoping to guide young Saddlers to positive performance...
Despite only being 26 years old, Joe Edwards says his experience of League One can help his young team mates through a testing winter schedule.The former Yeovil skipper and Colchester Players' Player of the Year has enjoyed an encouraging start to life at the Banks’s with his high-energy performances earning praise from his manager.
The dynamic midfielder has made 10 of his 15 appearances in the centre of the park, and after making the move from right-back, has developed an understanding with Adam Chambers in recent weeks.
“I’ve got the energy and the manager is letting me get forward and back, which is brilliant,” Edwards explained. “I do as much as I can defensively but like to get forward when I can as well.
"Since I joined in the summer I’ve loved playing here, and I love playing the way we do.”
The Saddlers welcome Southend United to the Banks’s this afternoon, and Edwards is calling on the experienced players to help turn the team’s fortunes around following Tuesday’s defeat to Rochdale.
“You always look to the older players and I guess the players will be looking to me as well," he added. “There are players here who will encourage you, and you look to them for experience.
“I know how to handle these situations, and it’s good for me to help the younger players.
"If we can get these results to match our performances then it’ll be an exciting season.”
It had been a difficult start to the League One campaign for Phil Brown’s men, but the Blues have managed to turn things around.
Despite winning just twice in the opening nine games, the Shrimpers have put a run of results together which has seen them rise from 23rd to ninth in League One.
Only five points separate the two sides heading into the game, and Edwards is hoping that home advantage can make the difference as we look to close the gap.
“It’s a massive chance to get the fans behind us and give them something to shout about.
“To have them on Saturday in a big home crowd - hopefully it will spur us on.”
If you can't make it to the Banks's for today's game, log on to Saddlers Player for LIVE kick-by-kick coverage from 2:50pm!