JFH aims to keep Ryan as he considers future
JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink says Burton Albion player of the year Ryan Edwards will be considering his options before deciding whether or not to stay with the Brewers for next season.
Burton boss Hasselbaink says he wants the 27-year-old Austrlian midfielder to sign a new contract and stay.
Edwards’ endless running in a variety of midfield roles has been instrumental in Burton’s escape from League One relegation this season and the manager is a big admirer.
“I started talks a while ago with his agent and with him,” said Hasselbaink.
“If I had been here a year ago, we would never have let his contract come to this stage.
“He has had in his mind, since he was a boy, that he wanted to play in Europe in his career.
“I am trying to persuade him that it’s not all that, playing in Europe. England is much better. I’ve been there and done that, so I know, but
he has to realise it himself.
“He knows we love him, we appreciate him. He knows we want him to stay. But it’s up to him. He wants to explore that opportunity first but he could knock back on my door.”
The Dutchman recalled the chat he had with Edwards when he arrived as manager in January.
“He was brilliant from day one. When we came in, we had to sit down and talk to him,” he said.
“He felt a little bit neglected. We had to make sure he knew that we thought he was a good player, part of the plans, and we wanted him to stay and play a really important role.
“He is somebody who understands the game. He brings an awful lot of energy to the team.
“Sometimes you don’t see him but when he is not there, you miss him significantly.”
In accepting his player of the year and players’ player of the year trophies on Thursday, Edwards noted the influence of Hasselbaink and his assistant Dino Maamria.
“Jimmy and Dino have given us unbelievable belief and confidence,” he said.
“The training standards and demands have been massive and I think that suits me perfectly.
“It’s the mindset I take into training, games and life in general.
“When you see football, on and off the ball, the way that they see it, you want to play for them even more. That’s shown in my performances, basically to go and run into the ground for them and for the club.”