IPSWICH, England, CMC – Trinidadian winger Carlos Edwards will be playing his trade at Ipswich Town after signing a two-year deal at the League Championship yesterday.
The 39-year-old Edwards, who spent the last two years at Premiership Sunderland, penned the contract worth 1.5 million pounds sterling on the final day of the European summer transfer window. He was one of two players moving from Sunderland to the east England club with midfielder Grant Leadbitter signing a deal worth 2.6 million pounds sterling.
Edwards’ transfer represents a step down in divisions but Ipswich Town manager Roy Keane hailed the decision, noting it spoke volumes about the player’s commitment.
“I worked with both players at Sunderland and know what they are all about,” Keane said yesterday.
“They have dropped down the Premier League to join us. That shows a hunger and commitment to play football for Ipswich Town and I’m delighted to have them here.”
Keane, who brought Edwards to Sunderland during his time in charge at the Stadium of Light, said he believed the pacy wide man could help in Ipswich Town’s promotion push.
Edwards was part of the squad which helped Sunderland make the leap from the Championship to England’s top flight at the end of the 2006-07 season. “They (Edwards and Leadbitter) have played in the Championship, knows what’s needed to get out of this division and they will add qualities that we need at this football club,” said Keane.
Reports last week said Sunderland had rejected an initial bid for Edwards but the two clubs were subsequently able to strike a deal.
Edwards has arrived at Ipswich with the club enduring a wretched start to their season. They are floundering in the relegation zone without a win in five league outings.
