Dave Edwards keen to play starring role at Wolves

The Welsh international this year played more games in a single campaign than any season of his nine-year Molineux stay.

He made 49 appearances in all competitions, not missing a game from November 26 onwards.

Having spent a week in Dubai to wind down after Wolves’ campaign ended with a 1-0 win over Preston, the 31-year-old is now looking ahead to what he and Wolves hope will be a promotion-winning campaign.

“I loved last week (getting away in Dubai) and spending some real quality time with my family. I really tried to switch off completely from football business,” Edwards, speaking at a charity match in aid of his Little Rascals Foundation, said.

“It’s not easy. My wife was desperate for me to switch off.

“After the first few days I was still thinking about everything but by the end I was enjoying playing with the kids and being in the pool.

“When you’re at home it’s easy to get distracted with other things. I really enjoyed it.

“The big thing for me is being available for each and every game and starting so many games this year, that was great for me.

“It’s disappointing where we finished in the league but I’m optimistic for next year. It’s great for me to get 10 goals, it’s a personal milestone I’ve been trying to get for years. I’d come close a few times.

“Hopefully I can play as much football next year in a more successful campaign.”

In December, Edwards signed a new contract tying him to the club until 2019, with the option of another season.

The 31-year-old has spoken before about how he is already considering what he’ll do when he retires from playing, with management and charity work both options.

But before then he’d ideally end his playing days with hometown club Shrewsbury.

Edwards played for Salop from 2003 to 2007 and still lives in the area.

The midfielder said the conditions would have to be right, but in a perfect scenario he’d return to Shropshire.

“Of course it’s the way I’d love to go out,” Edwards added.

“I’ve been so fortunate in my career to play for the team I support for five years.

“I was at Luton for six months, I’ve only lived away for that time, then went to Wolves and came back to Pontesbury.

“I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career. As long as I can keep playing for Wolves and being in the first team, affecting games, then I’ll always want to do that.

“But if the opportunity comes at the right time where I can still offer something to Shrewsbury and they’re in the position when they’d like to sign me then of course I’d love to go back one day.

“It’d be a fitting way for my career to go. But a lot needs to happen in terms of where I’m at with my game and where Shrewsbury are at – hopefully but we’ll see what happens.”