‘It is a better standard’ – Josh Edwards relishing Charlton Athletic challenge and test of League One football

Josh Edwards has talked about the step up in quality after making the move to Charlton Athletic this summer.

The 24-year-old is in his first season south of the border after previously playing for Airdrieonians and Dunfermline in Scotland’s League One and Championship.

Edwards was a key part of the Dunfermline side that won League One in the 2022-23 campaign.

Asked about how England’s third tier compares to his experiences in Scotland, he told the South London Press: “It is a better standard.

“There are so many good players in this league. It is a lot more physical and everyone is a bit bigger, stronger and a bit of a machine. It’s been a great challenge and I’ve loved it.

“I really wanted to test myself at a higher level and I got that opportunity. I’ve looked like I belong, I felt, to be fair. I’m looking forward to keep getting out on the pitch and doing more.”

Charlton had a 1-0 win over table-topping Birmingham before the international break, with a fixture at Burton Albion postponed due to the hosts’ call-ups.

Edwards recently returned to the first-team after a spell out with ankle ligament damage sustained against Leyton Orient.

Asked if the shutdown came at a good time, Edwards said: “Probably not. You want to keep playing after you play like that.

“If I look at it from my perspective it is probably a good thing. I had maybe half a week before (he played in) the Cambridge game and then thrown into a three-game week. I wanted to do that.

“I got subbed off in all three games. It was tough physically for me but the break will hopefully help me rest up. I’ve felt good in training this week.”

See Friday’s South London Press for an interview with Josh Edwards.

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS