ARTICLE: Edwards is now a full time Claret

[ClaretTony]

And another signing confirmed

See link
https://www.uptheclarets.com/edwards-is ... ime-claret

[fatboy47]

Absolutely top drawer....a genuine Prem level wide player... if we get the right quality around him we'll be very watchable.

[brexit]

From what I saw this season, precisely the type of player we don't need next season, he is Benson Mk2 too lightweight and doesn't put in a defensive shift. I hope I am proved wrong.

[mdd2]

From what I saw this season, precisely the type of player we don't need next season, he is Benson Mk2 too lightweight and doesn't put in a defensive shift. I hope I am proved wrong.

I have to agree with that. He is too easily eased off the ball. Of the four on loans we are signing, him, Anthony Flemming and Humphries he is one I am not keen on but as Brexit writes, I too hope I am wrong.

[Hedontplayforyou]

For allegedly £8m, you’ll do well to find a more talented player for that money these days. It’ll be interesting to see what he can do after a full pre season too.

Good signing

[ClaretPete001]

Clearly had a massive impact in terms of quality on the right where Kolosheo looked a long way short of the levels required even in the Championship albeit he is only a youngster.

I think what is more important is that we are buying quality players who can perform at high levels in the Championship as opposed to unknown quantities.

[jdrobbo]

My view is this: a player promoted from the Championship, should not necessarily be judged as a Premier League player, based on the football he has played at a lower (Championship) or different (Sporting Lisbon) top level club. Edwards will not be double marked and both he and Anthony will see plenty more of the ball. Koleosho looked a huge talent in the Premier League. I think Edwards will not look out of place…although of course, I could be wrong.

[ksrclaret]

That's a good deal for a really talented player who made a huge difference to our attacking game.

I'd expect him to be a player we use mostly from the bench in the Premier League.

[Holtyclaret]

Very good signing, oozes quality and rarely gives up possession. Will only get better and better.

[jlup1980]

Is it right that we've paid about £8m for him? For that money, he's worth the gamble. There's no doubting his quality on the ball. He is lightweight, but he's one of those players where the ball seems to stick to his foot. He could win us a lot of cheap free kicks. I don't see any PL clubs doubling-up on him either so he might have the opportunity to get us up the pitch a bit. Can't fault us signing him. He changed our season and I'm sure that without him we wouldn't have been automatically promoted.

[Rileybobs]

I have to agree with that. He is too easily eased off the ball. Of the four on loans we are signing, him, Anthony Flemming and Humphries he is one I am not keen on but as Brexit writes, I too hope I am wrong.

I don’t think he’s eased off the ball easily at all, in fact I’d say the opposite. He cleverly uses his low centre of gravity to shield the ball well. He compensates for his lack of real pace with very quick feet and should be a threat next season. The question mark hangs over his decision making when it comes to delivering the final ball, he doesn’t shoot enough and often carry’s the ball too long resulting in missed opportunities. He can pick a penetrative pass as well as anyone currently on our books though which will come in handy if we get runners in behind.

[ClaretTony]

He frustrates the hell out of me but I remember discussing him down at Portsmouth when his signing looked likely. Since then, 13 wins and 3 draws in 16 games with 33 goals scored having scored 36 in 30 prior to that.

That improvement going forward wasn’t all down to Edwards but he was a key part of it.

[warksclaret]

A bright young player who chose Burnley because of Scotty. In those 5 months the manager has had time to assess how he fits into our club with the PL in mind. The player made a good contribution to our promotion and we have bought him for circa £8m, and now some cynics are saying we should have walked away. Trust and have faith in Parker-at £8m he could prove to be a real bargain.A full pre season will really integrate him into our squad

[NL Claret]

When we played Norwich on the Friday night, Edwards didn’t have the best game going forward however he worked very hard defensively.

He’s on a different level to Benson.

[ollieclarets8]

Can only be a positive permanent signing for that price.

[Colburn_Claret]

A great signing. We need a sprinkling of real quality if we are to make a fist of staying up. Edwards can be a game changer and match winner.
I can't understand the negatives. The prem is a whole new world, it suits some players more than others. Championship teams tend to double up or triple up on dangerous players, the prem won't, they'll want their men free to exploit any quick turnovers. It could suit Marcus.

[claretspice]

Good player, good fee. To put it in context (and without any criticism of those players intended) it's half what we paid for each of Tresor, Amdouni and Ramsey.

There will be a question about his physicality in the Premier League but a proper pre season will also do him a world of good. You can get away with one player who is less physical or defensively aware at Premier League level, provided it is just one (we came unstuck under Kompany trying to squeeze two or even three into an eleven). But even then Edwards bought into the work rate of the team more than many others I've seen.

I think he's someone who will perform better playing as an inside forward rather than an out and out winger and he'll also look better with more players who are on his wavelength, whether because they've trained with him longer or because they're just better players who see the game earlier.

[Goliath]

The amount of times he managed to wriggle himself to the byline on his right foot was really promising to me. He wasn't reliant on coming on his left foot like Benson, he can go either way.

If he keeps getting into those positions then it will naturally lead to goals, especially with Brownhill sniffing around arriving late.

[Juan Tanamera]

Without checking I would reckon that Anthony's goals scored and assists increased significantly after Edwards arrived.

[RVclaret]

There is a reason PL clubs haven’t made a move for him before now, given how talented and technical he is, and it’s his physicality - it’s very rare these days to see someone with his height / slim build in squads at this level. I can think of Daniel Podence at Wolves and he lasted a year. Having said that, we do need creativity and he’ll be a key source, wit the 6 months in the Champ settling in hopefully doing some good, so I’m very pleased with this deal at £8m. I think he’ll suit this position if we change shape at times (it’s where he played for Amorim at Sporting):

[Goliath]

There is a reason PL clubs haven’t made a move for him before now, given how talented and technical he is, and it’s his physicality - it’s very rare these days to see someone with his height / slim build in squads at this level. I can think of Daniel Podence at Wolves and he lasted a year. Having said that, we do need creativity and he’ll be a key source, wit the 6 months in the Champ settling in hopefully doing some good, so I’m very pleased with this deal at £8m. I think he’ll suit this position if we change shape at times (it’s where he played for Amorim at Sporting):

Fair point. I think he probably needs to be in a side that has a lot of the ball. If we decide to defend deep then he will just end up losing his confidence after a few months and even in games that suit him he probably still then won't be able to perform.

[Clive 1960]

All i will say he seems better than the other guy we were after at Plymouth who went to Boro , only time will tell if he or others are any good for the Premier league, and for 8 million seems cheap..

[helmclaret]

Good luck Marcus and ignore all the negativity.

[wadeswondergoal]

For such a busy board, there is a high percentage of posters that just don’t understand football.

Edwards is quality and what he offers out of position is just as important as what he offers as an attacking outlet.

Cracking signing who will do well in the PL where he will be afforded more time and space.

[brexit]

For such a busy board, there is a high percentage of posters that just don’t understand football.

Edwards is quality and what he offers out of position is just as important as what he offers as an attacking outlet.

Cracking signing who will do well in the PL where he will be afforded more time and space.

I know my post appeared negative, but the point I was trying to make was that Edwards this year reminded me of Benson two years ago, that is the cause of my concern.
Do you see Benson starting next season for us?
But a good, well-tempered discussion for once.

[wadeswondergoal]

I know my post appeared negative, but the point I was trying to make was that Edwards this year reminded me of Benson two years ago, that is the cause of my concern.
Do you see Benson starting next season for us?
But a good, well-tempered discussion for once.

I think the fact that Benson was predominantly used as an impact sub under VK whilst Edwards starts games under Parker highlights the difference in not only their physicality, but their mentality also.

As I mentioned, Edwards offers a lot more than just his attacking contributions on the ball.

I can’t even see Benson being here next season - he’s never quite fit enough for a run in the team and that’s not what we need in the PL.

[quoonbeatz]

I don’t think he’s eased off the ball easily at all, in fact I’d say the opposite. He cleverly uses his low centre of gravity to shield the ball well. He compensates for his lack of real pace with very quick feet and should be a threat next season. The question mark hangs over his decision making when it comes to delivering the final ball, he doesn’t shoot enough and often carry’s the ball too long resulting in missed opportunities. He can pick a penetrative pass as well as anyone currently on our books though which will come in handy if we get runners in behind.

This is spot on. A very good signing for us. He’s a big part of last season’s successful first team and it’s important we keep together as many of them as possible to build on.

[Spijed]

Rico Lewis at Man city is a similar height and build and he's fine at Man city. Obviously surrounded by better players but his size hasn't been a hinderence to getting in their side.

[CrosspoolClarets]

There is a reason PL clubs haven’t made a move for him before now, given how talented and technical he is, and it’s his physicality - it’s very rare these days to see someone with his height / slim build in squads at this level. I can think of Daniel Podence at Wolves and he lasted a year. Having said that, we do need creativity and he’ll be a key source, wit the 6 months in the Champ settling in hopefully doing some good, so I’m very pleased with this deal at £8m. I think he’ll suit this position if we change shape at times (it’s where he played for Amorim at Sporting):

This isn't right about why he hasn’t had a PL move, if what I hear is correct.

As others have said physicality isn’t essential at the top level. I know many claim the PL is different, over the years many have also said that even Messi wouldn’t cut it in our league. Total nonsense.

The question mark over Marcus has been his attitude and application. Parker reassured us he thinks Marcus is maturing and that it isn’t a concern. Our team spirit will really help there.

It isn’t long ago that he was touted for an England call, and considering the riches we have in that position that is some accolade. Arsenal had him on their shortlist just a year ago and they play with more than one little guy.

I’m delighted we signed him, it shifted the balance of power in the division that ultimately cost Sheff Utd and benefitted us. He has already paid for his signings multiple times over. I’d like to see us play 3-4-2-1 with a couple of wingbacks and if so that would really help him. I think he’ll have a fantastic season.

[RVclaret]

Rico Lewis at Man city is a similar height and build and he's fine at Man city. Obviously surrounded by better players but his size hasn't been a hinderence to getting in their side.

You’ve answered your own ‘question’ there.

[Vegas Claret]

joint interview with Anthony, bizarre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9PWHYnAdx0

[ashtonlongsider]

I doubt we would have got over the line automatically if we hadn't signed him. At the reported £8m it's a no brainer and a good piece of business but I would be surprised if he's a regular starter in the PL.

[NottsClaret]

If Edwards was 6’3” and an absolute unit with his ability on the ball, he would be miles out of our reach anyway. Just as if Laurent could play like Edwards, he’d never have been here either.

With that in mind, decent signing. Probably fills our quota of ‘diminutive’ players though in this league.

[ElectroClaret]

Can't be proved of course, but I reckon if we'd got him on board a few months earlier in the season, we'd have
won the Championship with a few points to spare.

A good solid signing.

[ollieclarets8]

I doubt we would have got over the line automatically if we hadn't signed him. At the reported £8m it's a no brainer and a good piece of business but I would be surprised if he's a regular starter in the PL.

We seemed to go from getting to the last third but then running out of ideas, to getting to the last third and scoring. I think it would certainly been the playoffs without him.

[willsclarets]

Love that all the players talk about how good the dressing room is. We'll definitely need one next year!

Edwards I think will thrive more in the Premier league, especially with a full pre season. He made a difference this season, and I suspect there's better to come

[claretbob]

Edwards transformed our season and his tracking back is on a different level to Bennie. My hunch is that due to lack of playing time at Sporting he struggled with the relentless nature of the Championship and his form dipped. If so, after a full preseason we could see a real player emerge with a higher level of consistency. Looks a top signing to me.

[warksclaret]

I know my post appeared negative, but the point I was trying to make was that Edwards this year reminded me of Benson two years ago, that is the cause of my concern.
Do you see Benson starting next season for us?
But a good, well-tempered discussion for once.

Who's Benson

[Blue Skies]

There are many mentions of ME changing our momentum which is correct. The goals scored and chances changed dramatically once he arrived. Another part of that was how many goals and chances were made/scored from less than ten yards? We began to open teams up. Imagine that in the stale home games before Christmas, we would have had a few more wins with his contributions.

[ClaretPete001]

I think both he and Anthony will struggle but hopefully if we can keep our defence and midfield compact and intact we can win enough to come 17th.

The key is a dual pivot to play with Cullen and a striker. I just don't see Flemming having the technique to step up a level.

Edwards is a decent signing and he did have impact last season but the PL is a whole different ball game. If players like Edwards and Anthony can work smart off the ball we will have that little bit of quality going forward and a good work ethic defensively.

I think that is all you can expect but it's very hard when you are on the back foot week in and week out. And if anyone has flaws in their attitude or application they will be found out.

[StuWestMidsClaret]

Anyone who doesn't see this as a good signing knows nothing about football.

[Goliath]

I think both he and Anthony will struggle but hopefully if we can keep our defence and midfield compact and intact we can win enough to come 17th.

The key is a dual pivot to play with Cullen and a striker. I just don't see Flemming having the technique to step up a level.

Edwards is a decent signing and he did have impact last season but the PL is a whole different ball game. If players like Edwards and Anthony can work smart off the ball we will have that little bit of quality going forward and a good work ethic defensively.

I think that is all you can expect but it's very hard when you are on the back foot week in and week out. And if anyone has flaws in their attitude or application they will be found out.

A second pivot who's good on the ball and can drive forward as well. Can we have Sander Berge back please 🥲

[Grahamjack]

Goals scored before and after Edward’s signing on tells us all we need to know.

Anyone care to count it up accurately?

My guess is 28 games - 20 goals pre-Edward’s then 32 goals in 18 games after Edward’s signed.

Please advise actual numbers but I think the point is clear

[Goliath]

Goals scored before and after Edward’s signing on tells us all we need to know.

Anyone care to count it up accurately?

My guess is 28 games - 20 goals pre-Edward’s then 32 goals in 18 games after Edward’s signed.

Please advise actual numbers but I think the point is clear

Partially due to Parker opening the team up and giving Pires license to bomb on as often as possible therefore creating 2v1s constantly with Anthony. Edwards was a big factor but the only one.

[Stan Tastic]

Goals scored before and after Edward’s signing on tells us all we need to know.

Anyone care to count it up accurately?

My guess is 28 games - 20 goals pre-Edward’s then 32 goals in 18 games after Edward’s signed.

Please advise actual numbers but I think the point is clear

If you read the thread you'll find that CT gives the relevant info.

[ClaretPete001]

I mean you can argue all which ways. You could even argue that he improved the team because Kolosheo was so bad.

Pires' improved form was another and Hannibal occupying that number 10 role so effectively was another. I think it is a testament to the job SP did.

Do I think he will be effective in the PL: no idea. It's only 1 year since we achieved 24 points and subsequent relegated teams have got even less than that...! I think I was the most negative poster on this forum the last time we went up and I was wrong we were much worse than that..! So who can know for sure but I feel much more confident this time because Edwards is a good player.

And as for Sander Berge - yes please.