Josh Edwards sets himself defensive and attacking targets ahead of first season at Charlton Athletic

Josh Edwards has set himself targets both defensively and offensively ahead of his first season in English football.

Charlton Athletic triggered a release fee in the left-sided defender’s Dunfermline contract this summer to bring him to SE7.

Edwards, 24, signed a four-year contract. He scored four goals and nine assists in 42 appearances last season – his performances seeing him included in the Scottish Championship Team of the Season.

Asked about his goals for the League One season – which starts at Wigan Athletic on August 10 – he told the South London Press:  “I’ve always been left-back and as I’ve grown up I’ve learned to play more attacking. The gaffer (Nathan Jones) keeps reiterating that there wasn’t enough clean sheets last season, so first and foremost I’ve got to make sure I’m helping out the backline and I’m solid defensively.

“Then, when we are going forward, I want to be putting in as many crosses as I can do. I always did that at Dunfermline. If I’ve got half a yard I’m going to try and whip it past the defender and put it in the box. It gives the strikers’ half a chance to score, at worst, and if the defender has to make a decision and clear then at least we get a corner or throw in.

“If I’ve got a one-v-one further back I want to take them on.

“I want to get a fair few assists for the team. I had something nine last season and I want to at least be matching that – hopefully up to 10.

“There are a lot more games in England. I’d love to score, there is no feeling like that. The more I can get to the back post and put in a foot or a head, I hope I chip in with a few goals. Hopefully five – that’s probably pushing it because I’ve never scored more than four. But you might as well set your targets high.”

Edwards’ versatility was cited when he signed.

Asked about the roles he can play, the Scot responded: “More left wing-back, left centre-half or later in games at Dunfermline I’d be told to stand on the shoulder and just run in behind – I guess you could call it left wing, but not what I’d call and out-and-out winger.

“I can do almost the full job up the line, if I need to.”

Edwards is set to get his first taste as a home player in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Portsmouth.

It is the Addicks’ only home match before the competitive action due to a new pitch being relaid in SE7.

“As I was going through my younger years, Charlton were in the Premier League,” said Edwards. “I remember things about it – the Robin van Persie goal where he has jumped on top of the hoarding.

“I cannot wait to play there.”

What away days appeal most?

He said: “There is a nostalgia feeling – Birmingham were in the Premier League for years, I’m looking forward to going to St Andrew’s. They’ve got a big following and it will be a great atmosphere.”

“Wrexham will be a good away day.”

Edwards was an ever-present starter for the Pars in the league last season and the only minutes missed where due to being subbed off in the 79th minute against Dundee United.

“That annoyed me,” he said. “We were 3-0 up I went to clear a ball and had a tiny bit of cramp. Because we were winning I thought I’d stay down and take the mick. I stayed down for a bit and the gaffer said: ‘We’ll take no chances here, you’re off’. I shouldn’t have done that!

“I don’t like missing games. I know injuries happen but as long as I’m fit I want to be playing.

“It’s down to the gaffer, it’s his choice, but I want to play every minute of every game. That’s what I’m here to do. There are so many games down here that I understand the squad is going to need rotating and rest. It’s a lot different to Scotland where it is mainly Saturday, Saturday, Saturday.

“I want to get the maximum time on the pitch I possibly can.”

See Friday’s South London Press for a full exclusive interview with Josh Edwards

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS