06 November 2023 , 17:02
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Millwall have appointed England U20 interim chief Joe Edwards as their new head coach.
The Lions have been searching for a new boss for almost three weeks after parting company with Gary Rowett by mutual consent and had spoken to a number of different candidates, including Nathan Jones and Michael Beale.
It's Edwards, though, who will succeed Rowett at The Den after impressing the club hierarchy in interviews. The highly-rated 37-year-old, who started his coaching career with his boyhood club, Chelsea, will take training on Tuesday ahead of his first match at the helm against Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.
Reacting to the appointment, Edwards said: "Firstly, it's a really proud day for me and my family. Although I have been coaching for a long time, a lot of people will be aware that this is my first job managing as Head Coach.
"Throughout the years, at various levels, you think you would like to have the opportunity to make the step up. To do it at a club like this, to be Head Coach of Millwall Football Club - I don't take that lightly at all. I'm really excited."
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Edwards spent over two decades at Chelsea in a variety of roles after progressing through the ranks at Stamford Bridge. He took on his first coaching role with the Blues at the tender age of 19 after a short stint playing non-league football.
After winning two successive FA Youth Cups with Chelsea's Under-18s, Edwards was promoted to the first team by Frank Lampard in 2019. Edwards stayed on as assistant coach after Lampard's departure and was part of the backroom team that won the Champions League with Thomas Tuchel.
Edwards was previously Frank Lampard's assistant at both Chelsea and Everton (Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)Edwards' was appointed as England U20s head coach earlier this year on an interim basis but will now strike out on his own in the Championship with Millwall, who have been long-term admirers.
The Lions have slumped to 18th in the wake of a five-match winless run. Caretaker manager Adam Barrett drew two and lost two of his four-match stints at the helm.
Barrett, who was previously assistant manager before stepping in for Rowett, is set to remain at The Den, although Chelsea's loan player technical coach Andy Myers has been installed as Edwards' No.2. The Blues are also understood to be expecting further approaches for members of their academy staff.