Dave Edwards opens up on honest talks behind the scenes at Shrewsbury Town

Dave Edwards has outlined his influence as a Shrewsbury Town coach, passing on years of experience to members of the squad.

The Shrewsbury-born former Wales international stepped into his first coaching role in late January and has now signed a new contract to remain in the position next season.

Despite having limited coaching/ experience, Edwards made hundreds of appearances for Salop during his playing career, and he spoke about how he sees his place within the group.

“My role isn't to be a coach,” he told the Shropshire Star.

“You've got Jamie (Haynes) who's an excellent technical coach - knows exactly what Gavin’s processes are, he's absolutely brilliant.

“You've got Sean Parrish who's one of the very best, he's so experienced now, I really enjoyed watching them two put on the sessions.

“Gavin’s very strategic, he takes a lot of the tactical and the detail work about game strategies and picking apart the opposition. That's his niche I would say, he's excellent at that.

“He allows Jamie and Pash to do the more technical side of the coaching.

“Then I would say away from that, I don't even know if Gavin needs me to be honest, but I'm more about just being around the players, trying to get messages across, find out what's going to help them as a player.

“I give my advice where I can, from my experiences, things that worked for me, things that didn't work for me.”

Edwards revealed he had only completed his initial coaching badges during his playing career before later beginning a combination of UEFA A and B licences in his early 30s.

The 40-year-old never envisaged stepping into coaching after retirement, with Shrewsbury the only club he would have considered doing it for.

Speaking about passing on his experience, Edwards said he has held a number of honest conversations with members of the squad and has not shied away from delivering some home truths.

“I've had really really honest conversations with lads as well,” he continued.

“I'm sure a lot of the lads that I spoke to, or all the lads I speak to, will say that I'll be very honest with them where I think they can improve and get better.”