Craig Edwards (Football Manager)

Craig Edwards (born May 7, 1965) is an English football manager known for his career in non-league football.
==Early Life and Career==
Born in Bethnal Green, London, Edwards completed his education from Upton House Comprehensive, Hackney, London. He began his managerial career in 1996 with Barkingside Football Club. In his first season, he led the team to win the Double of the London Spartan League and the London Senior Cup, the club's first senior trophies in its 99-year history.
Next, Barkingside was promoted to the newly formed Spartan South Midlands Premier Division in the 1997/98 season and won the league the following year.
==Career==
Barking Football Club
In 1999/2000, Edwards took over Barking Football Club. He led them to a 7th place finish and their first senior cup final in 15 years. The following season, Barking got promoted under his mentorship. Edwards' tenure saw the club's average attendance more than double, leaving them in a stable position.
==Southend United Football Club==
As the Head Youth Coach at Southend United, Edwards developed numerous players who advanced to the professional ranks and high levels of non-league football. The club won the National U/19's Cup final at The Hawthorns in the 2000-01 season.
==Grays Athletic Football Club==
Edwards coached Grays Athletic in January 2001 when the team was eight points adrift from safety. He led them to a comfortable mid-table position and won the Essex Thameside Trophy. The following season, he guided Grays to their highest-ever league points total and position in the Isthmian Premier. They also secured the FA Cup and FA Trophy. Under his management, the reserve became the first team outside the Conference or Football League to win the Capital League in 17 years.
Redbridge Football Club
In December 2002, Edwards took over a struggling Redbridge, bottom of the Ryman Premier Division. He led them to a 13th-place finish, adding 49 points to their tally. The following season, Redbridge reached its most successful season, earning a promotion to the Conference South and making a notable run in the FA Cup.
Chelmsford City Football Club
Edwards joined Chelmsford City on New Year's Day, taking over a side in the relegation zone. He guided them to an 8th-place finish, their highest in 15 years while halving the playing budget. He then assembled a young, entertaining side that became promotion favorites the following season.
Dulwich Hamlet Football Club
At Dulwich Hamlet, Edwards took the club from the bottom of the league to a top-six finish on a shoestring budget. Despite further budget cuts, he secured a 6th place finish the following season.
Billericay Town Football Club
Edwards' first season at Billericay Town in 2010/11 saw him take a struggling club to within four points of a playoff position. He won the Ryman Manager of the Month award four times and secured the club's first silverware in 35 years by winning the Essex Senior Cup.
The following season, Billericay won the Ryman League Premier Division Title. Edwards' tenure included eight 'Manager of the Month' awards and the Ryman Manager of the Season award.
==Kingstonian Football Club==
Edwards took over Kingstonian at the end of March when the team was in deep relegation trouble. Despite being unable to sign new players, he led the team to lose only one of the last six games, securing a 16th-place finish. The following season began with a famous victory over big-spending Billericay, and Edwards took Kingstonian to 4th place before resigning.
==Cheshunt Football Club==
In January 2018, Edwards became the manager of Cheshunt Football Club, which was at the bottom of the Bostik North Division One. He secured the team's safety, finishing ten points clear of relegation. The following season, Cheshunt got promoted to the Bostik Premier Division.The 2020 season ended prematurely due to COVID-19. At the time, the club had made it to three semi-finals.
In 2021, the season was again cut short, with Cheshunt in 2nd position. In 2022, the club achieved a historic treble, including reaching the 5th Round of the FA Trophy, winning the Herts Senior Cup, and getting promoted to the National League South after winning the playoffs. Despite being favorites to finish bottom, they achieved back-to-back promotions.
However, the 2022/23 season ended with relegation back to the Isthmian Premier Division. The 2023/24 season was a strong finish, retaining their place in the Isthmian Premier Division. 
==Personal Life==
Craig Edwards is married to Majlinda. They have five sons, Craig, Billy, Josh, Erry, and Marius, and two daughters, Victoria and Nicola. They are also grandparents to seven grandchildren: Rosabelle, Alfie, Billy, Charlie, Florence, Freddie, and Henry.
Edwards is based in London and has founded the Eclipse Soccer School, where he coaches children aged 5-10, teaching basic football skills using continental coaching styles. He has also coached at Martin Allen, Tony Adams Soccer School, and Charlton Athletic Football Club. Additionally, Edwards was a professional boxer at The Belvedere Gym in Islington.
===Personal Life===
Craig Edwards is married to Majlinda. They have five sons, Craig, Billy, Josh, Erry, and Marius, and two daughters, Victoria and Nicola. They are also grandparents to seven grandchildren: Rosabelle, Alfie, Billy, Charlie, Florence, Freddie, and Henry.
Edwards is based in London and has founded the Eclipse Soccer School, where he coaches children aged 5-10, teaching basic football skills using continental coaching styles. He has also coached at Martin Allen, Tony Adams Soccer School, and Charlton Athletic Football Club. Additionally, Edwards was a professional boxer at The Belvedere Gym in Islington.
Category:People from Bethnal Green
Category:English football managers
Category:1965 births
Category:English people