It was 27 years ago that Joe Edwards' relationship with Chelsea began. He joined the club's academy aged eight and had dreams of a professional career in football. Those eventually came to fruition, but perhaps not exactly how he envisaged.
Edwards was released by Chelsea at the age of 16 and by his early twenties was coaching. He joined the Blues for the second time in 2004 and worked with the youngest members of the club's academy, which included Trevoh Chalobah, Fikayo Tomori, Reece James, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi,
His ascent through the ranks was brisk. Edwards was promoted to Under-16s head coach in 2011 and served as Adi Viveash's assistant as the Under-18s enjoyed FA Youth Cup success.