AFC Telford boss Rob Edwards: National North is full of quality
AFC Telford United chief Rob Edwards believes National League North is much better than many give it credit for.
Edwards, in his first season at the helm, guided the Bucks to a 14th-placed finish in the division which has lots of 'Football League' quality.
On the biggest thing he has learned, going from youth coaching to the rigours of non-league, he said: "First of all, it’s a very good level.
"I know, at times, it can be scrappy but teams are very organised and there’s some real quality at this level.
“There’s players that could play in the Football League at this level, but they’re on good money as a part-time player and then good money in their own jobs as well. There’s Football League players at this level.
“We’ve got to have a lot of respect for the league, which we always have done.
“We never came in thinking that it was going to be easy.
“It’s hit home how important winning the battle is, being aggressive and winning that fight. Then it is really important, in both boxes.
"You have to defend at the vital moments and then put the ball in the back of the net. The fine margins are very important.”
Another major thing Edwards has come to accept is that he will always have his detractors.
Some supporters did not like how he arrived last summer, just a few hours after Rob Smith was sacked.
Edwards is just intent on getting as many on side as possible, with an attractive style of football.
“You’re never going to please everyone so as long as you can be honest and give people a reason why, that’s probably the best way to go," he said.
“You’re not going to please everyone. Salford City have won the league but not everyone will be pleased there, which is incredible when you think about it.
“Everyone has an opinion but what matters is that you stay focused and do what you believe in.
“Then at least you can look yourself in the mirror and know you’ve tried your best.
“Certainly, as a group of players and group of staff, we gave our best over the season.
“We want to improve, of course, but there was improvement at the end of the season – you can’t deny that, but we all want more.”
