Charlton Athletic sign defender Josh Edwards from Dunfermline Athletic

Charlton Athletic have announced the signing of defender Josh Edwards from Dunfermline Athletic for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old has agreed to a four-year contract with the Addicks, becoming manager Nathan Jones’ third signing.

Edwards, who was named in the Scottish Championship Team of the Year last season, scored four goals and contributed nine assists in 42 appearances.

He can play as a left-back, left midfielder, left-sided centre-half in a back three, and as a left wing-back.

“We’re delighted to get the deal to bring Josh in done,” said Nathan Jones. “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.”

Jones added, “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 began his professional career with Airdrieonians, making 34 appearances in Scottish League One before joining Dunfermline in July 2019. He featured 182 times for Dunfermline, helping them win the Scottish League One title in the 2022/23 season and earning a spot in the Scottish League One Team of the Year.

Edwards, who will meet his new teammates for the first time next week when the squad return for pre-season training, expressed his excitement: “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 Nathan 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.”

Reflecting on his move, 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.”

As he looks forward to joining his new team, Edwards is eager to adapt to life in London. “It’s a bit of a change of pace. I’m not a big city person to be perfectly honest. It will be a big change but I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited to come back in pre-season and meet all the boys, and hopefully make some pals. It’s a completely fresh start - I don’t know anyone - but I’m looking forward to it.”