Rob Edwards: I'll need to be a quick learner at AFC Telford

Edwards checked into the New Bucks Head on Wednesday and met the squad, acquired by predecessors Rob Smith and Larry Chambers, last night as he led a coaching session.

The 34-year-old Telford-born ex-Wolves man left his Molineux role in May and in a whirlwind week took the reins at Telford.

He will work closely with coach Gavin Cowan, who assisted Smith and Chambers, as he gets clued up on the playing staff, insisting that the 18-strong squad all have an opportunity.

"I've got to learn fast now," Edwards told the Shropshire Star.

"I've had a meeting with Gav Cowan now and he's important. His knowledge far outweighs mine in terms of the club at the moment and players brought in.

"We're going to utilise him as much as possible and assess as quickly as possible.

"What I do know is all of the players will get an opportunity. I've told them that.

"It'll be up to them if they want to come on board and be involved in the way we want to work.

"We've got to make sure they're right for us and the way we want to go.

"I can understand what people are saying but I see it as a real positive now. I think players will be really motivated, we'll try and do things in a way players will enjoy."

The new boss is in the process of appointing an assistant manager to help create a management structure.

Edwards put to rest fears that Telford will simply look to Wolves' academy set-up in recruiting loan players.

"What I will try and do is, if I can improve the playing squad in any way, I'll use my contacts," he added.

"I think I'd be stupid not to. Whether that be Wolves or other clubs, I won't be naming now, that's what any manager would do, especially in this division where you can recruit throughout the season.

"Hopefully the links (with Wolves) are even stronger now. I left on good terms. I think I'd be silly not to use that – if I can – but it's only if it's to benefit Telford."