DEFENDER Luke Edwards has left Bromsgrove Sporting and returned to former club Coleshill Town.
The 32-year-old was a key figure in the Rouslers’ success last season, guiding them to the FA Vase semi-finals as well as ‘Invincible’ Midland League Division One champions status.
Edwards, who made more than 200 appearance for Coleshill before moving to Sporting last summer, made 42 outings for Paul Smith’s men and scored seven goals.
But with Craig Jones, Aaron Roberts, Daniel Morris and new boys Duane Courtney and Ben Birch all fighting for places, Edwards felt it best to move elsewhere for first-team football.
Smith told the Standard: “Luke is at the age now where he wants first team football but unfortunately I cannot guarantee that.
“We are sad to see him go as he was a massive part of the success last year.
“He’s a fantastic, true gentleman who I have never received a bad word about.
“I completely understand the reasons behind him leaving but when you have a squad as big as what we have got competition is fierce.
“I am not going to to remove anyone from this squad as they all deserve a chance but if players want to take it upon themselves them to leave then that is their choice.”
Smith added the £350 he had dished out of his own pocket towards the end of season holiday pot on Edwards’ goals throughout the season was the ‘best fortune’ he could ever have spent.
