Edwards started his career as a schoolboy at
West Ham United before signing scholarship forms at
Southend United in 1988. He made his debut as a 17-year-old against
Wigan Athletic in the same year. After signing as a professional with the "Shrimpers" in 1989, Edwards enjoyed successive promotions to the second tier of English football and enjoyed five years at that level before being transferred to
Birmingham City in July 1995 for a fee of £450,000. At Birmingham, Edwards was part of the side that reached a
League Cup semi-final before being transferred in November 1996 to
Peterborough United. Edwards went on to captain the side to promotion at
Wembley in 2000. He joined
Rushden & Diamonds in March 2003 and played a part in their promotion to the
Second Division as champions. Edwards scored the goal against
Carlisle United that saw the club seal promotion. After leaving
Nene Park in the summer of 2004, Edwards re-joined Southend United and again enjoyed successive promotions as the club went from
League Two to the
Championship. After a loan spell with
Conference club
Grays Athletic, where he was on the bench as they won the 2005-06
FA Trophy,{{cite web ==Coaching career==