DAVID Edwards insists he is playing the best football of his career after he became Jaap Stam’s sixth summer signing at Reading FC.

The 31-year-old joined Royals for around £1m last weekend after spending almost a decade at Wolves.

And while the Wales international may be entering the latter years of his career, he says he can still be a valuable addition to Stam’s ambitious squad as Reading mount another Championship promotion challenge after last year’s third-place finish.

“First and foremost, last year Reading were brilliant and they were very unfortunate not to get promoted,” stated Edwards in reference to Royals’ play-off final defeat to Huddersfield on penalties.

“It’s a gruelling way to lose a game of football and I did feel for the players when I was watching it on the telly.

“But this year I do expect Reading to be right up there towards the top of the league.

“The ambition they have matches my ambition – I think the last couple of years is when I have played my best football and I think I can help Reading achieve their goals.”

Bracknell News:

David Edwards in action for Wolves, here tracking former Royal and Brighton midfielder, Steve Sidwell. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.

Edwards bagged a Championship title with Wolves and spent three years in the top-flight, making 308 appearances in all and scoring 44 goals.

He has also played 39 times for Wales and brings a wealth of Championship experience to the table.

“I make sure that first and foremost I give my absolute maximum on the pitch,” continued Edwards, who signed a two-year contract. “I think teams that I’ve played for will always say that as well.

“I’m also quite attack-minded and I like to get into the box and try to get goals. I’m pretty much a box-to-box midfielder. I’d like to think I can do my defensive capabilities, but my main thing is arriving in the box on time.

“Most of my playing career has been in the Championship. I’ve been lucky enough to play in every single division from the National League right the way up, and at international level as well.

“But most of my career has been spent in the Championship and I know how gruelling and tough it is.

“There are games where a little bit of knowhow and experience will get you over the line. Hopefully I can bring that.

“There are other players here like Chris Gunter and Paul McShane who know that as well so hopefully I can add a calm head at times.”

Edwards launched his career with his hometown club, Shrewsbury Town, making 132 appearances with 15 goals.

That led to a £675,000 switch to Wolves in 2007 where, despite a brief loan stint with Luton the same year, he stayed until Stam pounced last week to make him his sixth summer signing.


“It is a big change for me personally and my family,” added Edwards, who will wear the No.16 shirt. “I’ve been at Wolves for such a long time. I’m just so grateful that a club of Reading’s size have wanted to take me on a permanent deal.

“I’m a big family man. Making sure everything is right is the main thing, then the football follows.”

He continued: “It came around quite quickly and decisions have to be made. But when you see the way that Reading played last year and how close they were to getting promoted, it was a no-brainer.

“This is a club that I was excited about joining and excited about working under the manager”

Edwards is currently with Wales on international duty along with Royals full-back, Chris Gunter.