Kenny Jackett challenges Wolves' Dave Edwards to win new contract
Dave Edwards today revealed his challenge from Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett: Stay fit to win a new contract.
The Wales international, whose deal expires at the end of the season, made his comeback from a foot injury in Saturday's 1-0 win at his former club Shrewsbury after missing eight games.
That was only Edwards's 100th League start in almost six years at Molineux after being restricted by a succession of injuries, including stress fractures in his back and foot and a torn hamstring.
It's largely down to injuries that the 27-year-old has been involved in just 147 of the 233 League games Wolves have played since his £675,000 arrival from Luton in January 2008.
But he is hoping he can stay fully fit now.
"I want to be part of the gaffer's plans, but a big part of what happens at the end of the season is whether I remain fit," said the midfielder.
"I think the gaffer will openly say that and I'm honest enough to know that's the truth.
"I've just got to keep working very hard off the pitch and have a bit of luck to keep me on the pitch.
"Fingers crossed I stay injury free now.
"This injury has been hard because I worked so hard in the summer to stay fit and for it all to happen again in the first game of the season, it seemed like the harder I work off the pitch, the harder it gets for me on the pitch."
Edwards is philosophical, however, and admits his chances of staying hang in the balance.
"I've loved my time here and hopefully we'll get promoted this season and I can earn a new contract," he said. "But there have been a lot of changes and if the club don't see me as part of the future, I'll move on with great memories.
"Hopefully I can play a big part and still be here next season."
Edwards rejects any suggestion that he is struggling to cope however.
"My body is strong enough to cope with the rigours of this league and I don't pick up many muscle injuries, but the two bad ones have been a stress fracture in my back and a stress fracture in my foot," he said. "I've had bad luck, but if I keep doing what I'm doing, hopefully it will serve me well."
