Ian Edwards (footballer, born 1955)

Robert Ian Edwards (born 30 January 1955) is a Welsh former footballer who played as a forward. He was capped by Wales and played in The Football League for four clubs.

Ian Edwards
Personal information
Full name Robert Ian Edwards
Date of birth (1955-01-30) 30 January 1955
Place of birth Rossett, Wales
Position(s) Striker
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1971–1973 Rhyl
1973–1976 West Bromwich Albion 16 (3)
1976–1979 Chester 104 (36)
1979–1982 Wrexham 76 (20)
1982–1983 Crystal Palace 18 (4)
1983–198? Mold Alexandra
198?–19?? Porthmadog
National team
1977–1980 Wales 4 (4)
1977–1978 Wales U-21 2 (0)
Teams managed
1994–1995 Porthmadog
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Playing career

Born in Rossett, Edwards began his playing days with non-league side Rhyl, before joining West Bromwich Albion in February 1973. He marked his league debut two years later by scoring in a 4–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.[1] But he found first-team opportunities at West Brom limited and in November 1976 he joined Chester for £18,000.[2] A debut goal against Northampton Town followed and Edwards went on to score a hat-trick in the club's 4–0 win at Southend United and a last minute winner against Luton Town as Chester reached the FA Cup fifth round.[2] Unfortunately he was injured scoring against Rotherham United in March 1977, with a knee injury that was to have lasting repercussions for the player.[1]

The 1978–79 season saw Edwards back in regular action, scoring in a Football League Cup giantkilling win over Coventry City. In October 1978, Edwards scored four times for Wales in a 7–0 win against Malta and then followed it up with a hat-trick in his next Chester appearance against Brentford.[3] 12 months later he moved to Wrexham for £125,000, having scored in his final Chester appearance at Barnsley.[4] His move led to Ian Rush successfully becoming Chester's regular centre-forward.[4]

Edwards spent three years at Wrexham and then joined Crystal Palace under the guidance of new manager Alan Mullery for a largely unsuccessful spell.[5] However, Edwards struck the decisive winner for Palace in their final game of the season against Burnley to save them from relegation to Division Three with his final touch for the club.[5] This was to also mark the end of his professional career as he retired due to his injuries and he played briefly for Mold Alexandra and Porthmadog. Outside of football he worked as a milkman in the Wrexham area and then became the owner of a hotel near Criccieth.[1] He also had a spell as manager of Porthmadog before being replaced by Mickey Thomas.[6]

Honours

Chester

References
  1. 'Where are they Now?', Chester City v. West Brom. matchday programme; 10/4/1993; pg. 20
  2. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885-1997. p. 92. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  3. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885-1997. p. 94. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  4. Chas Sumner (1997). On the Borderline: The Official History of Chester City 1885-1997. p. 95. ISBN 1-874427-52-6.
  5. "1982-83". Chris Winter. Retrieved 4 February 2008.
  6. "Porthmadog Stars (see Mickey Thomas)". Porthmadog FC. Retrieved 4 February 2008.
  • Ian Edwards at Post War English & Scottish Football League A–Z Player's Database
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