Former Chelsea assistant Edwards hired as Millwall boss

Championship strugglers Millwall hired former Chelsea and Everton assistant Joe Edwards as their new manager on Monday.

Edwards was appointed to replace Gary Rowett, who left the Lions by mutual consent on 18 October after four years in charge.

The 37-year-old had been working as interim England Under-20 head coach prior to accepting the offer from the south London club.

Edwards was highly regarded at Chelsea, where he worked as a youth coach before rising to first-team level as an assistant to Lampard and then Thomas Tuchel.

?? Introducing #Millwall’s new Head Coach. — Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) November 6, 2023

Under Lampard, Edwards helped the development of youngsters including Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount.

He was also a key member of Tuchel's backroom staff when Chelsea won the Champions League in 2021 before reuniting with Lampard at Everton.

"Although I have been coaching for a long time, a lot of people will be aware that this is my first job managing as head coach," Edwards said.

"Throughout the years, at various levels, you think you would like to have the opportunity to make the step up.

"To do it at a club like this, to be head coach of Millwall Football Club, I don't take that lightly at all. I'm really excited."

?? "It's a really proud day for me."

Watch Joe's full interview on #Millwall TV+. pic.twitter.com/szSjMqXQaR — Millwall FC (@MillwallFC) November 6, 2023

Edwards was picked by Millwall after an extensive recruitment search that saw them linked with former Southampton and Luton boss Nathan Jones, Yokohama F. Marinos manager Kevin Muscat and ex-Rangers boss Michael Beale.

Former Chelsea coach Andy Myers has been appointed Edwards' assistant at The Den while Adam Barrett, who