Fresh from becoming Exeter City’s first signing of the summer, Gwion Edwards has spoken of his delight at joining the Grecians.
The experienced winger arrives at St James Park with a wealth of EFL experience, having made more than 450 senior appearances across the Championship, League One and League Two during an impressive professional career.
Speaking about making the move to EX4, Gwion said: “I’m really excited. I came down yesterday, had a look around the city and I can’t wait to get going. It’s great to get everything sorted early so I can start planning and still enjoy the rest of the summer, knowing I’ll be back here for pre-season.”
When asked what attracted him to Exeter City, he added: “The opportunity to get back into the Football League was a big factor. Whenever I’ve played against Exeter over the years, there’s always been a great atmosphere and a strong club behind it. The ambition to challenge for promotion and get back into League One really appealed to me.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to come to a club of this size and hopefully play my part in helping the team achieve its goals.”
Gwion has held several conversations with manager Matt Taylor in recent weeks and was impressed by the vision presented to him.
“Matt spoke to me about my career, the clubs I’ve been at and my time at Morecambe. He knew a lot about me as a player and understood the challenges I’ve faced over the last few years.
“He talked about giving me the opportunity to get back into the Football League and show what I’m capable of. As one of the more experienced players now, I want to help the team both on and off the pitch, whether that’s through my performances or by supporting the younger lads in the dressing room.”
Gwion also got his first look at the club’s upgraded facilities at Cliff Hill Training Ground and was impressed by the progress that has been made since he last visited as a youngster.
“The facilities are unbelievable. It’s amazing to see how much they’ve changed over the years.
“I remember coming here as a kid with Swansea’s academy, which was probably still a centre of excellence at the time. To see what’s here now is fantastic and it’s a real credit to the club.”
The Welsh former Under-21 international joins a youthful Exeter City squad and is looking forward to sharing his experience with the next generation.
“I’ve experienced a lot throughout my career. I’ve been promoted, I’ve been involved in teams fighting at the other end of the table, and I’ve gone through some difficult situations as well.
“All of those experiences help shape you as a player and a person. If I can use what I’ve learned to help the younger players, whether that’s on the training ground, during matches or away from football, then I’ll do everything I can.
“There’s a really good young group here. My job is to set standards, help them develop and hopefully pass on some of that experience to help them improve.”
Finally, when asked what supporters can expect from him as a player, Gwion said:
“I’m an attacking player who can play on either wing and in a few different positions if needed.
“I like to take players on, get crosses into the box, create chances and score goals. Wherever the manager wants to use me, I’ll be ready to give everything and contribute to the team.”