Focus On…...Neil Edwards

Series continues on players who have spent some of their careers as a player or manager in the Southern League.

Born in the West Midlands, the winger or attacker started his playing days with Oldswinford in the West Midlands (Regional) League before being taken on by Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 1985.

He went on to make 29 first-team appearances for the Molineux outfit, netting 7 goals in his first 11 games!

However, injury affected his ability to play full-time football after he badly damaged his cruciate ligaments in a derby game against Walsall.

Wolves signed Andy Mutch from Southport and Neil found himself in and out of the team.

He moved into the Conference with Kettering Town where he had an earlier loan spell.

He almost made it back into League football with the Poppies, but in the end, under Alan Buckley, they missed out on the title to Lincoln City.

He also turned down a chance to go with Buckley to Grimsby Town in 1988 as he had met a girl in Kettering and had a decent job as an engineer for Weetabix.

He played a part in Kettering`s FA Cup run of 1988/89 when they were eventually beaten by Charlton Athletic at Selhurst Park when they were sharing Crystal Palace`s ground.

He then had spells with Corby Town and Rothwell Town in the Southern League – playing a major role in the latter`s promotion.

He returned to Corby at the start of the 1995/96 season but then injury forced him to retire.

However, he was persuaded to make a comeback with the Steelmen in February 1997 and his experience proved vital as they secured their Southern Midland Division status.

Neil is one of the most genuine guys you could wish to meet and someone I am pleased to call a friend.

Clubs Played for:

Oldswinford, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Kettering Town, Corby Town, Rothwell Town, Corby Town

Best Game Played In?

My debut for Wolves - Brentford away 1985.

Best 11 Played With:

Tim Flowers (Wolves)

Andy Thompson (Wolves)

David Barnes (Wolves)

Ali Robertson (Wolves)

Floyd Streete (Wolves)

Cohen Griffith (Kettering)

Keith Downing (Wolves)

Andy King (Wolves)

Jon Purdie (Wolves)

Mick Holmes (Wolves)

Steve Bull (Wolves)

Andy Mutch (Wolves)

Subs

Kevin Shoemake (Kettering)

Robbie Cooke (Kettering) pictured

Russell Lewis (Kettering)

Ian Cartwright (Wolves)

Best Captain?

Jody Craddock (Wolves)

Funniest Team-Mate/Manager

Player - David Barnes - manager Sammy Chapman

Best Manager?

Brian Little

Best Mates in Football?

The sadly now late Danny Liquorish, Kevin Shoemake and Jon Purdie.

Are You Still Involved in the Game?

Not with a club but still involved in the former Wolves All-Star side who play charity games.

Words of Advice?

Never give up on your dream. I never thought when I turned 19, I would ever play professional football and then Wolves watched me against them on a Tuesday night. I signed for them on the Thursday and made my first-team debut on the Saturday and scored! Dreams do come true!