Wolves boss tells fans to appreciate Wales ace Edwards
HE was one of the Wales heroes of Euro 2016 and had his actions cheered at Cardiff City Stadium – but Wolves boss Paul Lambert reckons David Edwards isn’t appreciated enough by Molineux fans.
Edwards, 31, started that historic Euro opener against Slovakia in Bordeaux and has been a valued member of the Wales squad for almost a decade, with Bluebirds fans among those who celebrated his efforts in qualifying last year.
It should be the same at Wolves as it is for Wolves; the Shrewsbury-born midfielder is just five outings short of a 300th appearance in West Midlands Old Gold with two promotions and 63 goals to his name.
Indeed, with 10 scores to his name this year he has become the first Wanderers midfielder to hit double figures in a season for more than 30 years, yet Lambert reckons Edwards isn’t given the credit he deserves by his own supporters.
And he has hailed the 38-cap man’s influence ahead of Cardiff City’s trip to Molineux this weekend, a game the hosts are approaching still in the need for points to bat away any remaining relegation concerns.
Lambert said: “Dave Edwards has been huge for me since I have been at Wolves and it’s incredible what he has done in terms of goalscoring this season. I think he is a big catalyst for Wolves.
“The way he plays the game, the way he understands the game out on the pitch and the timing of his runs into the box.
“The big thing people might not see is he is an incredible presser of the ball.
“The biggest compliment you can pay him is that he is a great professional.”
But, speaking to Wolverhampton’s Express and Star newspaper, Lambert branded the failure for such attributes to be recognised is not fair and is down to how long he’s been at the club.
Edwards joined Wolves in 2008 from Luton and played in the Premier League under Mick McCarthy, staying with the club as they dropped into League One before their Championship return a year later.
He said: “It’s unfair. People come to clubs now and leave after a year. They talk about how much they love it and then bang, they are away.
“That is where the game falls down.
“Dave Edwards has fought through year after year, the ups and downs. He’s an international player.
“Players like that are worth their weight in gold. I really appreciate having him here.
“He has had ups and downs with this club but he has always done it when it matters.
“Sometimes you find players come to a club, leave and become better regarded than the ones who actually do the business for you. The ones who do it for you don’t always get appreciated.”