Walsall Football Club are delighted to announce that vice-captain Joe Edwards has signed a new one-year contract, with a further year’s option.
The 27-year-old has scored ten goals in 82 appearances for the Saddlers since signing from Colchester in June 2016 and was named our 2017/18 Player of the Season.
“It feels good to have signed a new deal,” said the versatile midfielder.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’ve made a good connection with the fans and the club.
“I really appreciated it [being named the supporters’ Player of the Season] and I hope I can repay them by returning to that sort of form and doing well for the team.
“My injury is progressing really well. I’m working hard in the gym and building my leg back up. Everything so far is positive and it’s been nice seeing the boys back in training.
“We’re not putting a date on it [his return from injury]. It’s a long-term injury that you’ve got to be patient and careful with.
“But I’m hopeful the Saddlers fans will see me for a large part of the season. I’m really looking forward to getting back on the pitch and playing in front of the fans again.
“It’s massive for me to stay here and continue my rehab.”
A former Aston Villa trainee, Gloucester-born Edwards progressed through Bristol City's youth ranks and played four times for the Robins before joining Yeovil permanently in January 2013 following a successful loan spell.
Edwards appeared over 100 times for the Glovers and was a key member of the side that won promotion to the Championship for the first time in the club’s history in 2012/13.
He was later handed the captain’s armband but left in July 2015 to join Colchester, where he was named their 2015/16 Players' Player of the Year.
Edwards enjoyed a fine debut campaign with the Saddlers in 2016/17, scoring three goals in 48 appearances in all competitions.
Walsall’s ‘Mr Consistent’ fared even better in his second season, netting seven times in 34 matches before rupturing his ACL in the 2-1 defeat by Blackburn.
His sizeable contribution was recognised with the club’s Player of the Season prize in May.