JOE’S ON THE BALL AT LIONS

JOE EDWARDS reckons his Millwall makeover from edgy and raw to silky and stylish will make the club more appealing to players.

Some Lions fans voiced their frustration with the patient play Edwards has introduced during their FA Cup exit to Leicester.

But the former Chelsea assistant (above) believes it is making Millwall a more attractive place for Premier League teams to loan their best youngsters this month.

Edwards said: “It’s a club that’s got a strong history and tradition and an edge that people know about.

But we’re heading in a slightly different direction.

“Everyone I speak to says there’s a lot of evidence of that in our recent games.

“There’s a lot to like about Millwall. A lot that people would fear about playing us, and respect us for our real core values.

“But in recent weeks we’ve definitely been more controlled and pleasing on the eye in possession.

“So when you’re talking about Premier League players, there would definitely be more of an appeal to send those types of players to this club.”

Millwall need reinforcements and with his background working with Chelsea’s best prospects in the Stamford Bridge youth set-up, Edwards is wellplaced to call in favours.

He said: “I’m having conversations. As soon as the window opens, it’s extremely competitive.”

Leicester went ahead through Cesare Casadei’s header, and the midfielder then set up Ricardo Pereira.

The Italian, on loan from Chelsea, is a good example of the kind of talent Edwards is looking for.

Foxes boss Enzo Maresca said: “Cesare played a good game. Because he is big, people forget he is only 20 years old. We are very happy with him.”