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Walsall sign Joe Edwards from Colchester

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Walsall have completed their fourth signing of the summer after snapping up Joe Edwards from Colchester.

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The versatile 25-year-old, who was named Players' Player of the Year by The U's last season, has joined on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal.

Capable of playing in both defence and midfield, Edwards is expected to fill the void left by right-back Jason Demetriou who joined Southend earlier this week.

Edwards joins Milan Butterfield, Erhun Oztumer and Florent Cuvelier in joining Jon Whitney's Walsall's revolution this summer.

"I'm delighted to be here," Edwards said. "It's a fantastic club and they had a really good season last year.

"I've played against Walsall a few times before and they have always been a very good footballing side. They like to pass it about and they play with a good intensity.

"I had a meeting with the manager a few weeks ago and I came away thinking this was the club for me. Sometimes it just feels right and the fit is perfect.

"Jon's a very enthusiastic guy - he impressed me and hopefully I impressed him which is why we came to this agreement. I'm happy when I'm playing and I'll always give 100 per cent. I can't wait to get started."

Edwards began his career with Villa before moving to come through the youth ranks at Bristol City where he signed his first professional contract in 2009.

He played four first-team games for the Robins and enjoyed loan spells with Bath, Stockport and Yeovil, whom he joined on a permanent basis in January 2013.

Edwards appeared over 100 times for the Glovers and was a key member of the side that won promotion to the Championship for the first time in the club's history in the 2012/13 campaign.

He was later handed the captain's armband but left at the end of the 2014/15 season to join Colchester, where he scored twice in 45 outings last term.

Walsall boss Jon Whitney added: "Joe is an experienced front-foot defender who is a leader on and off the pitch.

"I have been impressed with his performances when he has played against us over the years and he will be a valuable and influential member of the squad."

Meanwhile, former Walsall boss Sean O'Driscoll is believed to be amongst the candidates being considered for the vacant job at Oldham.