Teen’s big thanks to Philliskirk

GEORGE EDMUNDSON

GEORGE Edmundson had shouted himself hoarse by the time he left the pitch at Roots Hall — but his was the name on the lips of many after a solid first league start ended with a clean sheet.

“It’s from talking on the pitch! My voice goes a bit,” said the teenager in the post-match interviews, a year on from being told he had no future at SportsDirect.com Park.

Edmundson thanks academy boss Tony Philliskirk for a change of heart that saw the former youth team player and defensive leader land a professional deal.

An eye-catching pre-season was followed by a start at Shrewsbury in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy under Darren Kelly.

Since then he has had to bide his time, gaining know-how on loan at Ramsbottom United in the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division before John Sheridan gave him the nod to take the place of injured James Wilson on Tuesday night.

Up against the same robust striker for the second time, Edmundson (18) acquitted himself well and hopes to get the nod to pay again against Crewe tomorrow.

“I have to thank Tony Philliskirk for changing his mind and giving me the opportunity to be a professional,” Edmundson said. “I hope I have proved them right.

“I am just concentrating on keeping going and working hard.

“At Ramsbottom, I was playing against big men who put themselves about. It sort of simulates League One, though obviously players are better on the ball at this level.

“I marked Tyrone Barnett at Shrewsbury in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy so I knew what he is like. You don’t get in fights with him, but I felt I did alright.

“Being named in the team (by Sheridan) gives you confidence that he is not afraid to put you on if he needs you, or play you from the start like against Southend.”