‘Proud day’ – Joe Edwards on being appointed Millwall’s head coach

Millwall have confirmed the appointment of Joe Edwards as their new head coach.

The 37-year-old, who had more than two decades working in Chelsea’s academy before stepping up to the senior coaching team under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, has left his position as England U20 head coach.

Edwards’ first match as Lions boss will be Saturday’s Championship game at Sheffield Wednesday. Millwall’s players were off today but will meet Edwards tomorrow morning.

Andy Myers has joined as assistant head coach. Adam Barrett, who had been assistant manager, and goalkeeping coach Andy Marshall are both staying.

Edwards, who also worked as assistant manager at Everton when Lampard was at the helm, succeeds Gary Rowett at The Den.

Rowett was the second-longest serving boss in the Championship but left by mutual consent last month.

“Firstly, it’s a really proud day for me and my family,” Edwards told MillwallTV+. “Although I have been coaching for a long time, a lot of people will be aware that this is my first job managing as head coach.

“Throughout the years, at various levels, you think you would like to have the opportunity to make the step up. To do it at a club like this, to be head coach of Millwall Football Club – I don’t take that lightly at all. I’m really excited.”

Millwall chairman James Berylson said: “With Joe, I’m excited. He is somebody who I think is very innovative and has some positive ideas about the progression we can make as a club.

“It was a thorough process, with no stone left unturned, and Joe was engaging, attentive, and impressive throughout, and I felt that we could have a productive working relationship together.

“We welcome both Joe and Andy to The Den with open arms and look forward to seeing the impact they can make on and off the pitch throughout what we hope to be a long relationship with Millwall.”

Alex Aldridge, director of football operations and recruitment, said: “We have taken our time to conduct a thorough recruitment process and we are delighted to welcome Joe to Millwall.

“Joe is a highly-motivated, dynamic coach who is held in high regard by everyone he has worked with at Chelsea, Everton and the Football Association, and we feel he is a great long-term fit for the club.

“Joe has strong principles and clear ideas for taking the team forwards and given his background in developing young players fully understands the importance of having a strong link with our academy.

“Everyone at Millwall is looking forward to welcoming Joe and working together to build on the progress we have made in recent years.”