For just shy of seven years, Joe Edwards has been more than just a player for Plymouth Argyle; he’s been a constant, a leader, and a symbol of the club’s unbreakable spirit, captaining the side through thick and thin. He has been a figure of strength for a host of Argyle bosses, most recently Tom Cleverley, with the pair banding together to drag the Pilgrims out of a very sticky position in League One and into the play-off equation.

But as the season rapidly approaches its conclusion, we move closer to gaining an answer to whether the 35-year-old will extend his stay in Devon, or move on, with a number of clubs reportedly interested in the experienced full-back. His head coach, just a year his senior, has made no secret of his desire to retain him, revealing to Plymouth Live this week that negotiations are underway regarding a new deal for Edwards.

This longing to see him remain with Argyle isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s based on the recognition of the vital role Edwards plays both on and off the pitch. It’s about understanding why retaining his services isn’t just a sentimental decision; it’s a strategic one that will maintain Argyle’s defensive depth next season, not to mention the sense of affinity that is extremely difficult to replicate.

Seven Years That Won The Green Army’s Hearts

Edwards arrived at Plymouth Argyle in June 2019, at a moment when the team was reeling from relegation to League Two. This sparked the beginning of a rollercoaster journey with the club, which eventually saw him captain the side to a triumphant climb back to the Championship, where they impressively held their own for two seasons. Yet, until just a few months ago, there loomed grave concern that the Devon side might find themselves right back where they started, the fourth tier, all before Edwards’ current contract even ran out.

Should this season turn out to be his last in green, the transformation from relegation candidates to promotion contenders would serve as a remarkable and fitting testament to his influence on the club from day one.

One of the fondest memories he etched into the hearts of the Green Army was his unforgettable winning goal at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland in 2021, a moment that brought welcome cheer to the supporters when Covid restrictions prevented them from supplying their fiercely renowned away following. And he quickly fell into the habit of scoring folklore-worthy goals that season, as just over a month later, he netted a stoppage-time winner in a 4-3 triumph over Lincoln City.

As if haunted by the memory that his previous late heroics had unfolded in empty stadiums, he proceeded to inflict stoppage time drama on the Black Cats once again, this time in front of a capacity Home Park crowd in the Championship in 2024.

While these occasions were undoubtedly special, Edwards’ impact has never been primarily about providing single moments to enjoy, but more about uniting the city with the team, taking the club as high as they can go, and stabilising to ensure sustained success.

Setting The Standard For Leadership and Belonging

Throughout his tenure with Argyle, Edwards has witnessed numerous defensive partners depart for big-money moves or through mutual agreement, yet he has remained steadfastly committed to the cause, a dedication reciprocated by the club through the bestowal of the captain’s armband and even his appointment as interim caretaker manager alongside fellow club legend Kevin Nancekivell in 2024.

In today’s game, where prolonged loyalty to a single club is a much rarer commodity, especially if you didn’t hold a prior affiliation with the club, Edwards is cut from a different cloth; having become woven into Argyle’s fabric from very early on. Ryan Lowe recognized Edwards’ potential immediately, installing him as vice-captain to support the popular Gary Sawyer, a move that saw his leadership qualities flourish from that moment on.

It’s Edwards’ willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve, coupled with his openness about his limitations, that distinguishes him from other like-minded leaders. No matter how late in the game, Edwards’ commitment never wavers; he is always prepared to make that potentially decisive overlapping run, fully aware that he might need to scramble back defensively. His character and popularity within the dressing room galvanise his teammates, leaving them no option but to match his tireless work ethic.

When the chips are down, Argyle’s ardent skipper is the player his teammates turn to, relying on him to initiate a degree of calmness and control to drive them an extra ten yards up the pitch. Players, and especially personalities of that stature and influence, are not that easy to come by.

Argyle Should Move Heaven And Earth To Accommodate Edwards

Fresh off a remarkable streak of 20 consecutive starts for a club laser-focused on reaching the play-offs, Edwards has emphatically proven his fitness, warranting at least another year in Argyle green. Pete O’Rourke reported that there is widespread admiration for the 35-year-old this summer, and while this interest is totally understandable, and the player couldn’t be begrudged considering other destinations, Argyle should be pulling out all the stops to convince him to extend his cherished stay in Plymouth.

It’s highly probable that Argyle will be seeking mobile and versatile full-backs when the summer transfer window opens, whichever league they end up in; however, regarding the challenge to retain Joe Edwards, his age is purely a number.

Furthermore, the success of their summer transfer strategy may very well depend on Edwards remaining with the team, as many young and ambitious wing-backs in the EFL could greatly benefit from the opportunity to learn from and work alongside Argyle’s captain, a highly respected professional.

This season, the natural leadership within Argyle has often been evident in loan players such as Alex Mitchell and Herbie Kane, individuals the club should jump at the chance to bring in permanently, though they may have less say in making that happen. Therefore, when you already possess a ready-made, well-loved chief so deeply integrated into the essence of Plymouth Argyle, prioritizing his retention is a must.

Tom Cleverley’s comments published on Plymouth Live this week are a must-read, where he waxed lyrical about the lines of communication he has established with Edwards, describing him as “My Captain”. Throughout their long and proud history, the Pilgrims have seen many fan favorites transition into coaching roles, and Edwards has positioned himself perfectly for a coaching role at Home Park whenever he sees fit.

Amidst the harum-scarum chaos of the preseason, the most crucial piece of business Argyle would be wise to complete this summer is to tie down Edwards for a further spell with the club.