Jack Edwards won his second promotion with Paul Holleran and Leamington last season, and is returning for another crack at the National League North as a player but also assisting the management team in a new role for him!
He may have stepped back from the captaincy at the beginning of last season, but anyone who was present at the Play Off Final in May will have seen what victory meant to the long serving midfielder, who will begin his 11th season and tenth year at the club, save for a brief spell at Solihull Moors at the beginning of our last spell at Step 2 in 2017/18.
He may divide opinion at times but his commitment to the cause cannot ever be questioned. This was epitomised when he dropped back into central defence for a spell mid season, but he continues to pop up with important and spectacular goals; not least the winner in the play off semi final against Redditch United, and his memorable free kick from just inside his own half in the win at Bromsgrove Sporting.
Since arriving at Leamington from Barwell in the summer of 2014, Jack has amassed 412 appearances for Brakes, scoring 66 goals, and an injury free season will surely see him eclipse James Mace's modern day appearance record of 436 games. His experience will be vital to what is predominantly a younger squad these days, but as ever Jack is proud to continue to represent our club.
'It really is an honour to commit for another season,' said Edwards. 'It was my only offer to be honest, but considering we barely had time to celebrate play off promotion…I only had one thing in my mind.
'Typically I like the idea of being here for a good time, not a long time but it seems there is such a thing as a good time for a long time. 11th season tbc…!'
Paul Holleran confirmed that Edwards would also be assisting his management team for the upcoming season, and said "I'm delighted to get Jack back for another season. He did a great deal helping us gain promotion last time out and I look forward to seeing him back in the National League.
"Jack will be also stepping towards coaching, and will assist the management team this season. As he gets older, coaching becomes a more attractive route and we're happy to give him the first insight into coaching and being part of the managerial team. I'm looking forward to working with him in this new role as well as having him still on the pitch for us!"
