“FACT FILE” JAKE EDWARDS 2008-2010


Year and place of birth Born Manchester UK 1976


When did you come to England Began playing professionally in England in 1998


For which American Clubs did you play? James Madison University 1994-98, Charleston Battery 2002-2003 DC United – (1 match) 2002


How many English clubs did you play for? 10 (including 2 loans). Most enjoyable were Wrexham, Yeovil and Burton Albion. Wrexham was in the old Second division and at that time we were playing the likes of Man City at Maine Road, Fulham, Millwall, Preston etc. They were exciting times for a 22 year old and I was learning a great deal from team mate and coach Ian Rush. We had some good players, very experienced and playing and living in Wales was a great experience; lovely countryside and passionate fans. Yeovil had just been promoted from the Conference and the club was well run, professional yet encouraged a family atmosphere among staff and players. Mostly I enjoyed the style of play as we had some great midfielders who would get me the ball inch perfect every time and always gave me options behind and in front. Made my job very easy and was a pleasure to play such flowing and entertaining football. Burton likewise was a well run club with great people who had brought it up from the lower ranks. We played exciting football and were an attacking team under Nigel Clough.


Apart from the Moors whats your favourite fc? Born in Manchester, I would go to see the reds play when there were still terraces at Old Trafford. I have always had an interest in how United do and was a dream come true to play them at Old Trafford in the FA Cup 3rd round in 2005.


Describe the best goal you have ever scored Most memorable for me was my first league goal. Away at Luton and playing for Wrexham, we were 1-0 down and I picked the ball up on the touch line at half-way. Ran down the line, past 2 players, and then cut inside along the 18 yard box past 2 more, then stuck hard and low near post with the left foot. Big moment for me and still remember it vividly.


Who has been the biggest influence on your football career? My dad. He started me out on this journey, coached me early on and always supported and encouraged me to follow my dreams.


What is your “other” job? And can you tell us your qualification Currently I am completing an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) from Warwick Business School. I have been doing this full time since last September. Although during the season I took up the Commercial Manager role at the club, I am now conducting research for a sports, media and entertainment company in London in conjunction with the final stage of my degree.


16 FACT FILE


b) Life generally Mohammed Ali, Nelson Mandela, John Kennedy, Winston Churchill ( people who took a stand for what they believe in, faced great adversity and overcame through great leadership and a straight moral compass)


What is the best ground you have ever played on? Best – Old Trafford


Who do you regard as the best player you have played with? I played a match with Hristo Stoichkov (current Bulgarian manager) while at DC United and he was still awesome even though getting on a bit. Rush at Wrexham was also getting on but gave you a lesson in movement in the box. Gavin Williams at Yeovil was supremely gifted


What make of football boots do you wear? Mizuno. Have done since 1994 when my University team in USA was sponsored by them. Great boots for people with wide feet and comfortable like a slipper.


What is the worst injury you have had? A fracture of the 5th metatarsal – the Rooney injury. Outside bone of the foot which has a poor blood supply and so take ages to heal. I broke it first in 1995, then it was 2 months in casts but then broke it again so I had screw inserted and 2 more months in casts and then rehab. The whole event cost me a season, and now I still feel it on cold nights and can even set off some detectors at the airport.


Do you have any superstitions? Not many, I have routines instead which help to focus the mind before a match. Although, for some reason I always have to put my left shin pad in first, that’s about as superstitious as I get.


What is the most hostile crowd you have experienced? I remember warming up to go on against Millwall and you were pretty close to the fans’ seats. They were leaning over calling you every colourful word they could think of, spitting blood and threatening your life and family etc., even throwing things at you. I enjoyed that though, always have, entering that pitch was like going into a battle and those fans were just doing their part. Derby matches also bring out the hostility and I played in a few Wrexham / Chester games - those guys really want to kill each other! It becomes more than football, it is Wales vs England and national pride is at stake.


Who are your lifetime heroes in a) Football - George Best, Dennis Law, Pele, Maradona, Mark Hughes, Cantona (All played the game how it should be with flair, excitement, style, and aggression)


Who is the toughest opponent you have played against? I have had the chance to play against many tough defenders. Tony Hulmes from Leicester gave me lesson or two when I first arrived in the country. Terry Skiverton at Yeovil was always a hard and fully committed opponent. For sheer strength, Matt Redmile was a mountain of man in football boots and was the one defender I could never out muscle.


Are you Robert Green’s biggest fan? And what did you think about the USA’s showing in the World cup? I didn’t follow his season leading up to the Cup though I would have gone with the experience of James. I think it is an interesting debate to have with regards to how the athletes that represent GB in the Olympics are managed and supported to perform, the level of responsibility that each of those athletes takes on and how this contrasts with the lack of individual responsibility taken by the England players for their own physical and mental performance. Blaming the manager is not the answer. As for the USA, they should be doing better given the number of players now playing in top European leagues. I think they now need a manager with International experience that these new players can really look up to and learn from. Bradley has not done it on the world stage as a player or coach and perhaps lacks a bit of credibility or command.


In one line, what I advice would you give young players? At this level, never ever feel you have arrived; never be satisfied with what you have achieved. Playing in the lower leagues is tough, but to be good enough for the football league you must do more than the other players. Simply showing up for training and games is not enough.


What is your biggest regret in football? I have no regrets in football, some in life, but football will remain pure for me. It has been a privilege to play professionally and make a living doing something I love. Regrets would only tarnish this memory.


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