Bobby Edwards back in America but Irish League move ‘best time of my life’

Edwards’ New Year exit back home to sign for FC Cincinnati in the MLS cut short a period between the Ports posts which attracted mass praise, both internal and external, for his ability and attitude.

With his debut MLS season on hold, Edwards took time out to reflect on his frantic start to life back in America and short but successful spell in the Irish League.

“The reality is, just like almost everywhere else in the world, we are currently facing an unprecedented ordeal that has more questions than answers,” said Edwards. “The news of the MLS suspension amid the growing Coronavirus crisis has certainly put us into the land of uncertainty but we are in good hands under the care of FC Cincinnati staff and the reality is, football has taken a backseat in terms of priority.

“I believe things will be okay, with our collective efforts and, in times like this when it is easy to get wrapped up in fear, we must continue to show compassion and kindness to one another and follow the health guidelines.

“I loved my time at Portadown and it was an honour to see the club so proactive in teaming up with community organisations to help those most vulnerable with support and care packages.

“I cannot properly explain how much my spell with the club meant to me, the outpouring of support was remarkable and I struggled to keep up with the volume of kind messages after I left Portadown.

“Whatever impact I may have had on the club is a drop in the bucket compared to the impact the club has had on me.

“From the second I arrived, the entire community welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home.

“Each and every time I was lucky enough to wear the Portadown badge I did my very best to represent the club with the same passion and dedication I witnessed from our loyal supporters and those around the club.

“I plan to return next year...and hope to watch the Ports in the Premiership at Shamrock Park.

“It was gutting not to be able to see the season through but there is no doubt in my mind that the team is more than capable of finishing the final leg of the journey.

“I think there is a shared love for the club among the players and fans and some of my favourite experiences came celebrating results along with the supporters.

“I left Portadown with nothing but love and pride in what we managed to accomplish - but know there is so much to still be accomplished and I will remain the biggest supporter.”

Edwards puts Portadown’s rise to the head of the table down to collective strength - but his individual form led to interest from professional clubs in England and Scotland, alongside social media hits off highlights of his saves.

“It was truly a family, a group of guys concerned with the team over individual glory,” said Edwards. “Matthew Tipton is a fantastic manager who assembled a squad that would bring a positive energy and culture.

“I never looked on any interest from other clubs as a measure of my own success, it was always about trying to accomplish our own Portadown goals first with everything else a bonus.

“I never looked on Portadown as a platform and, as a player, always focus only on the moment.

“If you take care of your business in the present, I’ve always believed the future will sort itself out.

“Moving to Northern Ireland was a chance to experience a fresh culture and compete at a high level of football, I was impressed with the standard.

“The Irish League style of play is unique and you certainly have to have a bit about you to hold your own.

“But I relished that, it was fun to play as an American with rivals trying to slip an elbow into my side when they had the chance - it was definitely a character test and only the strong will survive.

“I have my Portadown jersey hanging on my wall here in America and was following each game.

“I will not only come back to watch the team but continue to travel back to my second home for years to come.”

The sense of team spirit extended for Edwards beyond the playing squad.

“The backroom staff were amazing and so important, people like Chris Loughran and Jason Hall,” he said. “I still laugh thinking back to the memories and laughs we all shared together.

“I cannot really express how much I miss everyone at the club and the community of Portadown people.

“It was truly the best time of my life so far and I am unbelievably grateful to have had such an amazing experience.

“I’m excited for this next chapter of my life but will never forget the impact Portadown has had on me.”

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