Edwards spent eight years in Chelsea's academy before being released as a 16-year-old and opting for a change of tack.

He joined Chelsea's academy coaching staff in 2004 and secured back-to-back FA Youth Cup and Premier League South doubles while Under-18s manager in 2014/15 and 2015/16.

Edwards spent the following 2016/17 season working as loan player technical coach, liaising closely with several players and coaching staff at their temporary clubs.

He was also part of the England Under-18s backroom coaching team who helped the young Lions win the Toulon Tournament in June 2017.

In his first campaign as Under-23s manager of Chelsea in 2017/18, Edwards led the side to the semi-finals of the senior Checkatrade Trophy, where they were denied a place in the Wembley final after a penalty shootout defeat to Lincoln City. It was the furthest any academy team had reached in the competition.

Lampard gave Edwards his break at senior level in July 2019, having been impressed by the younger man’s coaching sessions during his playing days.

Their relationship grew when Lampard completed his coaching badges at Chelsea's Cobham training complex and the pair stayed in regular contact when the 106-cap England midfielder became manager at Derby County.

But Edwards – a key figure in the rise of young players such as England internationals Mason Mount and Reece James – remained in his role under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and helped the club win the Champions League in 2021.

On 23rd January 2023, Everton announced that Frank Lampard and staff had left the club. Good luck to Joe from all at Love Everton Forum.

Source: Everton FC