championship, march 11 2023
Morris (53)
After leading Forest Green Rovers to the League Two title in his first season as a Football League head coach, Rob Edwards started the 2022/23 season in charge of Championship club Watford. By September, after 10 league games, that spell was over – but Edwards returned to work in November, replacing Southampton-bound Nathan Jones in the Luton Town hotseat.
The former Wolves and Wales defender went on to lead Luton to promotion through the playoffs, marking the club’s return to the top flight after an absence of more than 30 years. In this exclusive Masterclass, Edwards reveals the tactical approach that inspired an important 1-0 win away at Sheffield United (below) en route to securing their playoff place. The victory was even more impressive in the context of the wider season, with Sheffield United winning automatic promotion to the Premier League under Paul Heckingbottom.
Edwards explains the key out-of-possession strategies that limited a dangerous Blades attack to few chances of note, how he wanted his team to use the ball when they did have possession, and the importance of carrying their own threat in attacking transition.
It’s a fascinating session that gives a great insight into the workings of a team that doesn’t look to dominate possession, from a coach set to challenge himself in and among the Premier League elite.
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SHOTS / ON TARGET
5/1
45.2%
POSSESSION
54.8%
14
ATTACKS INTO AREA
30
0.62
EXPECTED GOALS (XG)
0.80
