Fleetwood Town loanee's self-motivation ahead of Blackpool meeting

The Fylde coast being placed into tier three following lockdown means both teams will continue playing home games without fans for the time being – but that won’t put off the on-loan defender.

Edwards knows there is support for the team, just from afar, and hopes Fleetwood can get the better of the Seasiders.

“We know they’ll be supporting us from home and it’s bragging rights really.

“I understand how big it is, I can see how big it is for the staff and the people in the building, and the community.

“The two teams are obviously close to each other and it’s a derby, and we want to come out on top.

“They’re doing well at the moment, they’re on a good run and we’re hoping to stop that, we want to win every game.

“We want to turn our run around and get back to winning ways, so it’s going to be a good game.

“There always has been a buzz around the place, even though we’ve drawn and lost our last games we’re still confident as a team to push on.

“This is a great game to try and get that going again.”

Having joined on a season-long loan deal from Stoke City, Edwards has settled well into Joey Barton’s side.

An acquisition late on in the summer window, it has been a new experience for the 21-year-old.

He is in his first loan spell away from the Potters but is also occasionally tasked with a new role in Barton’s system.

Playing at right-back – or centre back when required – Edwards has found the experience rewarding and wants to keep adding to his game.

He said: “I feel like the system suits my style of play quite well.

“When I play at full-back he (Barton) wants me to go forward and put crosses in and that’s what I enjoy doing.

“When he’s put me in as a right-sided centre-half of a three I’ve enjoyed that and it’s been a new experience.

“I’m learning every day. I’m learning at right-back every day and to learn a new position as well, and to enjoy that position, is a good feeling.

“It adds to my game and that’s why I’ve come here, to improve my game as much as possible. I feel like that’s what I’m doing here.

“The standard here is high and I’ve got to keep pushing myself and my team-mates around me.”

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