George keeps dream alive

GEORGE EDMUNDSON

ROOKIE defender George Edmundson TWICE had to rely on second chances to prove his worth with Athletic.

But after impressing on his first-team debut, the teenager is determined to make the most of the latest opportunity thrown his way.

Centre-back Edmundson, who turned 18 two weeks ago, performed admirably in Athletic’s 2-0 defeat at Shrewsbury in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. His appearance alongside James Wilson in defence marked the culmination of a remarkable four months for the defender.

Edmundson was originally told he wouldn’t be offered a professional contract at the end of his scholarship - before the club performed a U-turn and handed him a deal in the summer.

“It has been a dramatic change-round,” said Edmundson after playing for the full 90 minutes in Tuesday night’s game at Shrewsbury.

“It didn’t really sink in until about two weeks into pre-season. But I feel settled in now and I have been training with the squad for some time, so it is good to get going.”

Before the latest reversal, when he was 16 a stroke of fortune landed him a scholarship in the first place. Edmundson had appeared on trial in a youth team game at Walsall the previous season but the club had opted to go with rival Ellis Gordon as an apprentice instead. Discipline issues saw Gordon released and into the breach stepped George.

“I want to try to get as much experience as I can through the season and I realise that it probably won’t come straight away. But hopefully I can show the fans what I am about,” he said.