England C goalkeeper Preston Edwards signs a new contract at Ebbsfleet United
Published: 16:14, 11 June 2013
Preston Edwards is staying at Ebbsfleet United.
The goalkeeper has been with the Fleet for three years and he was considering a return to full-time football this summer.
But he has chosen to remain at Stonebridge Road, where he has built a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in non-league football.
Edwards captained England C to victory in Bermuda last week and then met with Fleet boss Steve Brown on Saturday to discuss his future.
He is the third member of last season's squad to agree a new deal, after defenders Paul Lorraine and Joe Howe.
The 23-year-old said: "I have been away on England duty where I was honoured to be selected as the England captain. The transformation in the club whilst I have been away is amazing and Steve Brown has made some really exciting signings. There is a real buzz around the club and I want to be a part of what we all hope could be an exciting future."
Edwards was at a low ebb when he joined Ebbsfleet from crisis club Grays Athletic in 2010. But he rebuilt his career under Liam Daish's management and made himself an indispensable member of the side which won promotion back to Conference Premier.
Even as the Fleet dropped back through the trap-door into Conference South last season, Edwards' reputation grew and he walked away with three of the club's four player of the year awards.
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Steve Tervet