CRAIG'S BOOSTS

MANAGERIAL stalwart Craig Edwards is back in charge of Barking – 23 years after he left!

- Robin faues

The 59-year-old last took charge of the Essex Senior League Blues in July 1999 before leaving to become manager at Grays Athletic in January 2001.

Edwards arrives on the back of a remarkable seven-year stint in charge at Cheshunt, who he led to back-to-back promotions and a highest-ever finish in the National League South.

In total, he has spent 28 years in the manager’s hotseat, starting his career at Barkingside, leading them to the London Spartan League title and the London Senior Cup double – their first senior trophies in a 99-year history.

He later became head youth coach at Southend United, and has also managed Redbridge, Chelmsford City, Dulwich Hamlet, Billericay Town and Kingstonian.

Edwards takes over at Mayesbrook Park after joint bosses Jonny Fowell and Michael Walther quit with the London club seventh in the table.