Chelsea's under-the-radar deadline day departure leaves Thomas Tuchel with a difficult decision

It was 27 years ago that Joe Edwards' relationship with Chelsea began. He joined the club's academy aged eight and had dreams of a professional career in football. Those eventually came to fruition, but perhaps not exactly how he envisaged.

Edwards was released by Chelsea at the age of 16 and by his early twenties was coaching. He joined the Blues for the second time in 2004 and worked with the youngest members of the club's academy, which included Trevoh Chalobah, Fikayo Tomori, Reece James, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi,

His ascent through the ranks was brisk. Edwards was promoted to Under-16s head coach in 2011 and served as Adi Viveash's assistant as the Under-18s enjoyed FA Youth Cup success.

He was handed the reigns of the youth team in July 2014 and was reunited with several players he'd coached during their formative years at Cobham. The FA Youth Cup was claimed in Edwards' two seasons in charge as the Blues took a stranglehold on the competition.

After completing his UEFA Pro Licence during the 2016/17 campaign, Edwards was handed Chelsea's Development Squad by the club's head of youth development, Neil Bath. Never an easy group to manage – with players leaving on loan or youngsters being moved up – Edwards guided his side into the semi-finals of the Checkatrade Trophy.

Only a penalty shoot-out defeat to Lincoln City's senior side denied Chelsea's youngsters to walk out at Wembley – it remains the furthest any academy team has reached in the competition.

Edwards' impressive success at youth level was perhaps no surprise given his long-standing relationship with Chelsea. He understood the club, its ethos, and its demands.

“Culture is really important at the club. If, as a coach, you are preaching