Plymouth Argyle’s captain, Joe Edwards, expressed his delight at signing a new contract, stating he is “absolutely made up.”
The 35-year-old has committed to a new one-year contract with the League One club, extending his stay until summer 2027.
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Edwards, who joined the team in the summer of 2019, has made 282 appearances in seven seasons, contributing 24 goals for the club.
“Having been part of this club for so many years, it’s fantastic for me and my family to extend my time here,” Edwards told BBC Radio Devon. “We love it here, and it’s become an integral part of my life that I want to continue enjoying. I’m delighted we could make this happen.”
Joe Edwards’ goal in the 1-0 victory over Hull City on the final day of the 2023-24 season secured the Pilgrims’ position in the Championship. [Shutterstock]
Throughout his tenure at Argyle, Edwards has faced both triumphs and challenges. Notably, he was part of the squad that gained promotion from League Two following the disruption caused by Covid-19 in his initial season at Home Park.
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He took on the captaincy role after Gary Sawyer‘s injury in 2020, becoming the permanent captain in 2021.
During his leadership, he guided Argyle to the 2023 League One championship with a record 101 points and netting the decisive goal against Hull City at the end of the following season to ensure the team remained in the Championship.
After Wayne Rooney’s departure in December 2024, a sidelined Edwards assisted in coaching the team alongside interim manager Kevin Nancekivell, leading to victories over Premier League sides such as Brentford in the FA Cup and Liverpool in a memorable fourth-round match at Home Park under new head coach Miron Muslic.
While he couldn’t prevent Argyle’s relegation back to League One last season, he made 41 appearances across all competitions, helping the team narrowly miss the League One playoffs after an impressive recovery from being at the bottom of the table in November 2026.
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“It wasn’t until I played my first season that I truly realized how significant this club is and how well it is supported,” Edwards remarked. “Over the years, my understanding of that has deepened, and it’s clear this is one of the best-supported teams in England. The commitment of our fans is unmatched; their willingness to travel and create a fortress at Home Park is incredible. It’s something you appreciate even more through both good and tough times.”
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With his 36th birthday approaching at the end of October, Edwards recognizes that his playing career—spanning 586 matches in the EFL and non-league for clubs including Bristol City, Walsall, and Yeovil Town—won’t last indefinitely. The club has supported his pursuit of coaching qualifications since he signed a new deal in October 2022.
Nonetheless, he stressed that thoughts of coaching will take a backseat, as he is focused on continuing to contribute on the pitch. “The recent season has fueled my desire to play as much as possible,” he stated. “Had it been a less consistent season, I may have considered coaching more seriously, but with 41 appearances under my belt, I feel fit and capable. Right now, my attention is on the game, enjoying this new contract, and making the most of my time as a player for at least another year. After that, we’ll see what happens.”