Plymouth Argyle have struck an agreement with club captain Joe Edwards over a new contract.
The veteran was set to leave Home Park this summer with his current deal expiring, which would have brought to an end a seven-season association with the Pilgrims, in which he has achieved two promotions.
Stalemate Ends
News of Argyle’s struggles in offering Edwards a sufficient deal had set off alarms across the EFL, with reports stating that clubs in League One and League Two were ready to swoop if the 35-year-old hit the free agent market.
However, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Plymouth have now agreed terms with their captain, who is now set to lead out Tom Cleverley’s side for at least the next 12 months.
An original offer was tabled to the former Walsall man just over a month ago, with Edwards subsequently admitting that he would love to continue playing at Home Park beyond the end of this season, which saw the Pilgrims narrowly miss out on the playoffs.
Speaking to Plymouth Live, he said:
“It’s the only place I want to be. It’s a fantastic football club, I have got an amazing relationship with the fans and the club.
“Hopefully in the next few days we will see the answer to that. There is always little bits and bobs, and things that go on, but it’s my club, I love playing here, I love the relationship I have got with everyone.
“It still makes me so happy walking out with the boys, it’s a privilege to be captain of this football club. Let’s just hope it continues and we can go one step further next year.”
Jubilation For Argyle
News of an agreement between Plymouth Argyle and Joe Edwards will be music to the ears of the fanbase in Devon, who would not want to see their captain of many years go out on a low.
The 35-year-old may now be in the autumn of his career, but he still is a pivotal asset to Argyle given his versatility and leadership, with the club severely lacking in players of his age profile.
He has shown no signs of slowing down with 41 appearances to his name last season, the most in three seasons after playing more of a squad role during their Championship years.
Whether he still keeps up those figures next season remains to be seen, as right-back is a position for Argyle that needs slightly more depth, with only Edwards being natural in that position, and one of his backup options, Brendan Galloway, departing as a free agent.
Given the end of this season, which saw them narrowly miss out on the playoffs despite consistently picking up results, will give cause for optimism at Plymouth heading into next season, especially if they can fend off interest in star players.
