Steve Kavanagh, the chief executive of Millwall, exclusively explains why the Lions selected Joe Edwards: “At some point you’ve got to be brave.”

Steve Kavanagh, the chief executive of Millwall, exclusively explains why the Lions selected Joe Edwards: “At some point you’ve got to be brave.”

 

‘At some point you’ve got to be brave’ – Millwall chief executive Steve Kavanagh exclusively reveals why the Lions appointed Joe Edwards

STEVE Kavanagh has revealed how Joe Edwards won Millwall chiefs over in the fight to be the Lions’ next manager.

The 37-year-old was appointed as head coach at The Den yesterday, beating a number of other candidates to the role.

It is Edward’s first senior management job as he replaces Gary Rowett who was Millwall’s boss for almost four years before leaving by mutual consent.

Edwards ended up doing three interviews to land the role, attempting to impress the likes of Kavanagh, chairman James Berylson and Director of Football Operations and Recruitment Alex Aldridge who were leading the process.

With interviews potentially lasting up to three hours, Edwards’ “freshness” helped to give him the edge.

Chief executive Kavanagh has exclusively told NewsAtDen: “Joe came into the process and as a process, we like to see a broad range of people and in that you look at some of the different strategies and up-and-coming coaches and, as part of that, we met with Joe. Joe was exceptionally impressive in the way he came across and with his drive, energy and desire.

“And when you actually look at some of his background and history, and while he’s never been a manager, he’s got first team experience and a wealth of experience operating at a very high level. When you meet Joe and talk to Joe, you realise that he’s an intelligent, articulate, young man who’s hungry for success.

“And with Joe that freshness probably just gave us a different approach which … at some point you’ve got to be brave. Any decision to appoint any head coach is a brave decision because they all have different aspects to them but we felt Joe was the right fit and it was the right time to take that step and go in that direction.”

The interview process was demanding, with candidates first meeting senior members of the club for long meetings to describe their ideas and footballing backgrounds. Those who made it through to the second round where then set tasks that tested their analysis skills.