English forward Ryan Edmondson tells aleagues.com.au, following his first hat-trick of the season, how a memorable reunion encouraged him to sign with the Central Coast Mariners.
A skilled magician seldom gives away their techniques, which may be why Ryan Edmondson is unable to pinpoint Mark Jackson’s exact method.
According to Edmondson, “Jacko always seems to see the bright in people.” aleagues.com.au. “I’m not sure how he does it, but he always seems to bring out the best in people.”
Whether it’s a magic trick or not, Edmondson is certain that he performs at his peak level as a football player when he plays for Jackson.
He sensed it the moment he walked into the Leeds United academy at the age of sixteen, and he flourished under Jackson in the U18 team.
Later that year, he became one of the youngest debutants in Leeds’ history as he made his senior debut in the Championship.
But Edmondson felt that enchantment wear off in the years that followed, as he moved on loan many times before leaving the team altogether. That’s why the response was straightforward when Jackson called to give him a new beginning in Gosford.
Edmondson left Carlisle United in late January and signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Central Coast.
Reuniting with Jackson, who is also relatively new to Gosford after taking over the reigning Isuzu UTE A-League winners prior to the 2023–24 season, gave the 22-year-old comfort even though the change of environment was jarring.
The North Yorkshireman recognises other faces at the Mariners besides Jackson. While a young Edmondson scored eighteen goals to lead Leeds U23s to the 2018–19 Category 2 Professional Development League title, assistant Danny Schofield was part of the coaching staff. Another ex-Leeds coach on Jackson’s Mariners coaching team is Andres Clavijo.
Edmondson has adapted to the Coast quite rapidly thanks to the familiarity.
European football players don’t typically find themselves in the Isuzu UTE A-League at age 22, but Edmondson—an England U19 international who was signed to a Premier League team just two years ago—has chosen to go down a less-traveled path, putting more faith in a coach’s abilities than in a club’s reputation.
I’m proud of my accomplishments and the clubs I’ve been a part of. I made my Championship debut with Leeds at the age of sixteen,” he declares.
“However, personally, I doubted that I was performing as well as I believed I could be in the UK in terms of my performance and attitude on the game.
“To be honest, my time at Leeds was the best I’ve ever felt. It showed in my ability to play in the Championship at such a young age and in some of the records I was setting with the U23s.”
The key was to spend time with Jacko once more. I think Danny (Schofield, the Mariners assistant) and Jacko both really put me at ease. I get along really well with both of them.
“This isn’t about being at Leeds United, don’t get me wrong. Naturally, it isn’t. However, having a close contact with the personnel and getting to know them helps a lot, which is what made me feel really confident about coming over here.
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