Former Everton coach Joe Edwards has been speaking about being named the new manager of Millwall.
Edwards was in Frank Lampard’s backroom staff at both Chelsea and Everton and has been in interim charge of England Under-20s since August.
Edwards, 37, takes over at the Championship club from Gary Rowett, who left by mutual consent on 18 October. Millwall are 18th in the Championship table.
“Firstly, it’s a really proud day for me and my family,” Edwards told Millwall TV+. “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.”
Before he added: “I was at the Bristol City game – I just wanted to watch some football in London. I then took the role with England’s Under 20s and until a couple of weeks ago, I was enjoying that. I was working with some good people and good players.
“Then there was change at Millwall and I heard from Alex Aldridge, who I’d spoken to in the past. He invited me to be a part of the interview process, which I was interested in.
“For a club the size of Millwall, I wanted to see what it looked like. From the first meetings I had, straight away I had a good rapport with Alex and Steve [Kavanagh]. Further meetings followed and I felt like there was something special there. It was tight-knit but there was enough knowledge and passion, as well as alignment in each other.
“Everyone was on the same page. Working with good people is key. It started to feel more and more of a good fit as we got to know each other.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
