In an exclusive interview with IFTWC, Ryan Edwards, the captain of Chennaiyin FC, discussed several topics, including his contract extension, his transition to the Indian Super League, and his impressions of the Chennaiyin FC supporters. Additionally, he also talked about his defensive record this season and his battle against cancer in 2018.
The 30-year-old defender from Liverpool moved to India this season and signed a deal with the Marina Machans that would last the entire season. He has consistently been one of the league’s top center-backs since moving to India, and the fact that he hasn’t been dribbled past this season speaks volumes about his performance so far. In addition to being an excellent defender, he has captained the team in fifteen of the seventeen matches he has played this season, showcasing his exceptional leadership abilities.
“It’s not the club’s fault, that was me as well, going back and forth with stuff”, added Ryan on his delayed move to Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC’s final foreign addition during the current campaign was Ryan Edwards. On September 20, 2023, three days before Chennaiyin FC’s opening league match and one day before the 2023–2024 ISL season commenced, he joined the Marina Machans. Edwards did not participate in the Durand Cup with Chennaiyin FC. Nonetheless, Owen Coyle persisted and was resolute in acquiring a player of Ryan’s caliber — a formidable center-back and captain.
Ryan responded to a question about the reason behind the move’s delay, saying, “To be fair, it was about April last year when someone got in touch with me regarding whether I should consider going to India. It was something not in the back of my mind because it was an important situation at my last club. So then, anyway, a few weeks later, I was on FaceTime with the sporting director of the club and I think they were in the transition of changing managers. And then as soon as the coach got the job, I was in contact with the coach.”
“A little bit of negotiating went on, probably a bit too long than what I’d have liked. And that was it. It’s not the club’s fault, that was me as well, going back and forth with stuff. And then finally it got sorted after a couple of weeks, maybe a month, six weeks. I got myself over here later than I’d have liked because I came, I think it was on the 20th of September and the season was starting. So I’d have liked the pre-season and to be at full speed. I was obviously on the bench the first couple of games because I wasn’t quite ready”, he added further.
“I remember when we arrived in Kolkata, it was unbearably hot because we weren’t used to it”, said Ryan Edwards on his experience in India so far
It usually takes time for players from various parts of the world to acclimate to the climate and lifestyle in India. Moreover, adapting to the pace and rigors of a new league where they haven’t played before also requires some adjustment period. The Englishman, who missed a considerable portion of the preseason, shared his experiences dealing with the challenges of adapting to the Indian Super League and its surroundings.
“The start was eye-opening in terms of the weather. I remember we arrived in Kolkata when I came and it was unbearably hot because we weren’t used to it. Not just me, but the other foreigners as well who hadn’t been here before. So, you know, there were puddles of sweat in my boots, stuff like this. It’s just normal for someone who hasn’t been here before to struggle with the heat at first. But when you get used to it, you’re flying and you know what to expect. And I embrace it now, I enjoy it.”
“It’s a big commitment and we appreciate that“, said Ryan Edwards on Chennaiyin FC fans
Despite Chennaiyin FC’s recent struggles, the team’s supporters have continued to turn out in numbers at the Marina Arena, with attendance averaging close to 7,000 per game. In addition to attending home games, the Marina Machans have traveled outside of their hometown to support and express loyalty to the team.
This season, Chennaiyin FC has won four league games, with three of those victories achieved at home, showcasing the positive impact that the team’s supporters have on its results. Ryan Edwards, the captain of Chennaiyin FC, expressed gratitude to the supporters and praised their unwavering backing throughout the season.
“Yeah, it’s great. The more the better. They will come when we’re winning more, especially in home games. But even in Bengaluru, I think that deserves massive credit because I don’t know how many we had, but they were certainly loud enough. It was great to see that, the journey they took to support us, it was a 45-minute flight away. It’s a big commitment and we appreciate that.”
“It’s a good stat to have, I suppose, as a defender”, Ryan Edwards on not being dribbled past this season
This season, Ryan Edwards has emerged as one of the league’s premier defenders, if not the absolute best. Throughout all his appearances for Chennaiyin FC, he has consistently showcased stellar defensive performances. What sets him apart from other center-backs in the league is the remarkable statistic that no player has managed to dribble past the English defender this season.
It’s truly astonishing to consider that Ryan has accumulated over 1300 minutes of play across all competitions without permitting a single opponent to dribble past him. Once again, this underscores the exceptional defensive prowess that the 30-year-old has exhibited this year.
When asked about the record and the secret behind it, Ryan replied, “Yeah, I think a lot of it comes down to help from your teammates as well. But if you find yourself in one-on-one positions, I just try and slow them down as much as possible. If they are trying to take me on, then I try and force them the way I want them to go. And then try and get my body across. It’s a good stat to have, I suppose, as a defender.”
“I’ve never met a coach who’s been so full of energy, so much, every single day“, said Ryan Edwards on Owen Coyle
Owen Coyle was determined to acquire Edwards, even if it meant waiting until the day before the league began to sign the English defender. As a player, one would always desire their coach to have complete faith in their abilities—a sentiment Coyle held towards the English defender. When asked about his connection with Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle, Ryan Edwards expressed profound admiration for the coach and his dedication to the game.
“It’s his trust, belief, and wanting to win. He is just an all-around great guy. I’ve never met a coach who’s been so full of energy, so much, every single day. I don’t know if you understand when I say enthusiasm – full of energy. And that rubs off onto the players. Because when they see him like that every day, they realize they have to bring energy as well. It’s just a great thing to have and we’re lucky to have it.”
“Win as many as possible. It’s as simple as that“, replied Ryan Edwards when asked about the target for the remaining games
After losing their first three league games, Chennaiyin FC had a difficult start to the season and at one point found themselves at the bottom of the league. Subsequently, they secured victories against Punjab FC and Hyderabad FC consecutively. However, they suffered a setback against FC Goa before bouncing back to win their next four games.
Despite this momentum, they then experienced two more defeats and were eliminated from the Super Cup in the group stage, showcasing Chennaiyin FC’s lack of consistency this year. When asked about the goals for the remainder of the season, Ryan commented on the team’s aspiration to secure a playoff spot, emphasizing the collective desire of the coach and squad to win as many games as possible.
“Win as many as possible. It’s as simple as that. Like I said, the coach always plays to win. And as players, there’s nothing worse than playing in a game where your manager sets you up not to lose if you know what I mean. So, the coach, Owen Coyle, will never play not to lose. He’s always playing to win. And that’s the most enjoyable thing about playing for him.”
“When I found out, it was just a shock. Just a shock. Because I didn’t expect it”, reflected Ryan Edwards when asked about his battle against cancer
In addition to triumphing in football matches, Ryan Edwards bravely battled cancer and emerged victorious in his fight against the disease. In 2018, Ryan received a diagnosis of testicular cancer. It is uncommon for football players to develop cancer, given the rarity of the condition within this demographic. Nevertheless, Ryan’s ability to conquer cancer while excelling in football likely underscores his remarkable strength and determination. You may recall other football players who have triumphed over cancer, such as David Brooks, Éric Abidal, and Sebastian Haller. Following his victory over cancer, Ryan was able to return to the highest level of football and maintain his performance at an exceptional level.
When asked about the challenges he had both physically and mentally in his fight against cancer, he added, “When I found out, it was just a shock. Just a shock. Because I didn’t expect it. I got a date for surgery and my coach at the time said he gave me the choice of whether I wanted to play on until surgery but keep it a secret. So, that’s what I had done. And I carried on. I played two games. Scored. Funny enough.”
“And then when it was time for surgery, the players found out. And then it blew up over social media. Because it’s not heard of professional players getting cancer. So, after that, the treatment and stuff like this takes a stall on your body. And physically, it wipes you out. And then two or three months after, it was about getting strong and fit again to carry on playing football.”
“No, not yet”, replied Ryan Edwards when asked about a contract extension with Chennaiyin FC
Letting go of its foreign players despite their outstanding performances has been one of Chennaiyin FC’s mistakes over the last few years. Despite their excellent performances, the team has parted ways with players such as Sliskovic, Juluis Duker, and Slavko Damjanovic, to name a few. An important contributing factor to this has been the change of coach every season. Nevertheless, they have offered Owen Coyle a multi-year deal this time, which gives him more time to assemble a strong team. Given Owen’s involvement in Ryan Edwards’ acquisition and the English center-back’s early performances, Chennaiyin FC supporters will be hoping that their team extends Edwards’ contract as soon as possible, before he is lured away by another team.
When asked whether there have been any talks with the club about a potential contract extension, Ryan responded, “No, not yet. I think the club’s main target is trying to get playoffs. And then we see what happens after that. Whether we do or not – it’ll be the club’s decision. You know, the owners, the coaches. And that’s up to them to see what they want to do with players, going forward. So, it remains to be seen.”
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