Llandudno’s summer signing Ryan Edwards who signed from Airbus UK has opened up on his time in Wales’ top flight so far.
At the age of just 23, the midfielder has made over 100 appearances in Welsh football’s top division and it’ll keep going up with Edwards committing to a season at Maesdu Park following his departure from Airbus UK.
In an interview with Arron Fon Evans News, the one-time Welsh Premier League winner gives his account on his career.
Edwards who made his debut with the Connah’s Quay Nomads back in the 2012/2013 season and has put praise on his former manager Mark McGregor for giving him his first opportunity in football.
“He trusted in me even at such a young age and gave me the platform to get to where I am today.”
The Glan Conwy born midfielder has played alongside and come up against some players in time involved in football and has leaped praise on fellow Nomads academy product Rhys Healey who is currently with Championship side Cardiff City, as he recovers from a long-term injury.
“The best player I’ve probably come up against was in a friendly game against Liverpool. I was thrown in the deep end against Roberto Firmino and I was chasing shadows all game long.
In terms of players that I’ve played with then I’d probably go with my good mate Rhys Healey. He burst on to the scene at 16 and his potential was frightening, and that showed because he’s now at Cardiff City.”
The tricky midfielder’s performances in his debut season in the Welsh Premier League, caught the eye of The New Saints and in the January window of 2014, they pursued their interest by signing him.
Overall, Edwards had played 23 times for the Welsh Premier League champions, where he would score three times, helping The New Saints to the division title.
Despite the success though, Edwards felt his first team opportunities were limited but said that the move there helped him become the player he is today.
“It was a great club that definitely improved me as a player, but the lack of opportunities was frustrating. As a young lad you just want to be playing football which I found hard to come by whilst at TNS.
However, it definitely matured me as a player and as a person and I have nothing but good memories of my time there.”
As time worn on, he would find himself on loan at the Cefn Druids where he suffered relegation as a player for the first time.
After eventually being released by The New Saints, he was later snapped up by Bala Town. He would go on to make thirteen appearances for Colin Caton’s men but would go out on loan once again to Airbus UK. It would be the same fate for Edwards again, a relegation but for him it was important he was enjoying his football.
“During my time with Airbus, Tommo was great with me, letting me enjoy my football again despite the sour end to the season.”
Now Edwards has arrived at Maesdu Park and is optimistic for his future ahead with the club he’s now joined, with the objective to be enjoying his football once again and contribute to the team.
Once I spoke with Alan Morgan I knew it was the right decision to sign for Llandudno. I just wanted to keep on enjoying my football and it’s no secret they like to get the ball down and play.
“It’s been a good pre-season so far and I’m looking forward for the WPL season opener at home to Carmarthen now. I personally, as an attacking player my aim is to assist as many as I can and to chip in with a few goals as well.
As a club, I think we’ve got to be aiming for that top six. With the league being more competitive than it’s ever been since I’ve been involved I have no doubts that it will be tough.
With the squad that’s been put together this season though that’s what we’ve got to be pushing for.”
(Featured Image: Naomi Jones of Bala Town FC)
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