Stein, who played as a
midfielder, started his career at
Edgware Town alongside his brother Brian, before the pair were signed to
Luton Town in November 1977. Ed stayed at Luton for seven months before leaving due to a lack of playing time, returning to non-league football alongside working for the
Liberal Party. Stein made over 500 appearances for Barnet between 1982 and 1993, making his debut on 14 August 1982 in a 1–0 defeat at
Bangor City in the
Alliance Premier League in the following line up;
Gary Lewin, Tony Bennett, Pat Kruse, Alan Garner, Mike Pittaway, Edwin Stein, Ronnie Howell, Gary Sargent, Steve Ragan, Stuart Atkins and Colin Barnes. Sub Peter Robinson. Stein was voted Player of the Season at
Underhill in 1988-89 by the BFC Supporters Association ==Coaching career==