Decision to join Sunderland was quick for Edwards
Posted on 5th January 2007
Recent Sunderland signing Carlos Edwards has revealed how his decision to join the Black Cats was a split–second one. Edwards became Sunderland manager Roy Keane's most expensive signing at £1.5 million. The Trinidad and Tobago international was full of praise for the club he was joining.
Following some excellent performances in the World Cup during the summer several clubs were interested in securing his services but the former Luton Town star revealed the chance to move to Sunderland was too good to pass up. Edwards believes Sunderland can go on and secure promotion back to the Premiership.
"I am looking forward to starting and getting playing," said Edwards. "Three weeks ago I got a call from Dwight (Yorke) saying the club were interested and the manager wanted to sign me. It took me a split second to make up my mind and from there they showed more interest. I needed a change and wanted a change at a club going places and, hopefully, at the end of the season it will be in the Premiership. Most footballers dream to play in the Premiership. I am at a club that can do that and I took that opportunity. The size of the club speaks volumes for itself. Moving here was the ideal thing. The manager has been places and won things most players have not even dreamt of winning. I had no hesitation in coming up north to sign for Sunderland and the manager had a big part to play."
Keane has made no secret of his desire to add more pace to his side after complaining the squad he inherited lacked the speed to turn, and get in behind, resolute defences. The former Manchester United midfielder has also been without a specialist right winger since he fell out with Liam Lawrence and allowed him to join Stoke back in November. And he is delighted with the capture of Edwards after watching him in Germany.
"We've been looking out for players," said Keane, who also signed Manchester United centre–half Jonny Evans on loan until the end of the season yesterday. "I want to be playing players in their right positions because I've had to chop and change a lot recently. I wanted somebody to play on the wide right with attacking ability and Carlos was a player that immediately sprang to mind. We had him watched a few times and he played up here a couple of weeks ago. Yorkie spoke well of him and we're delighted to get him. It's especially pleasing to get him so early in the transfer window."
Earlier Sunderland news
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