NATHAN Jones said Charlton Athletic beat a number of other clubs to the signature of Josh Edwards from Dunfermline Athletic.
The Addicks have acquired 24-year-old defender Edwards for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.
Edwards was named in the Scottish Championship team of the year last season after four goals and nine assists in 42 appearances.
Edwards can play on the left side of a back three, at left-back, wing-back and further forward.
“We’re delighted to get the deal to bring Josh in done,” Jones said on Charlton’s website. “We’ve beaten off a lot of competition from other clubs to bring him to Charlton.
“He’s a player with a lot of potential, who has played a lot of games in Scotland over a number of years now. He has the attributes and the profile we look for and he’ll only get better.
“His arrival will help give us real competition on the left-hand side. He provides something different to what we already have and he has a real scope to improve. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Edwards will link up with his new team-mates next week when they return for pre-season training.
“I’ve been ready to sign for a while but I’m glad it’s finally done now,” Edwards said. “Towards the end of the season I heard that there was interest from a few clubs in League One. We played Ayr [United] on a Friday night. I ended up playing quite well and I scored, and then it just built up from there.
“There were more teams interested, but Charlton just stood out straight away. I made it my priority and we’re here now.
“I’ve wanted to play in England since I was a wee boy, so I’m really excited to do this.
“I really liked what [Jones] told me about the club and the direction it’s going in, so I’m really looking forward to getting started and seeing where it takes us.”
Technical director Andy Scott added: “Josh is a player who Nathan is looking forward to moulding, he’s an exciting prospect. He’s still just 24 but has plenty of experience, having played more than 200 games in his career.
“He has all the physical attributes we have been looking for and he has a hunger to learn, develop and progress under the guidance of Nathan.
“His versatility is valuable too as he can play across a number of positions on the left, so we’re really pleased he’s made the decision to join Charlton.”
