UNASSUMING Josh Edwards described reaching a landmark 150 appearances for the Pars as him having "done alright" during four years with the club.

It has been a rollercoaster period since the 23-year-old joined Dunfermline from Airdrieonians in the summer of 2019, which has included a global pandemic, relegation to League One and a return to the second tier at the first attempt.

Signed by Stevie Crawford, Edwards is now working under his fourth permanent Athletic boss, in James McPake, who has lavished praise on the player by claiming " there is not a better left back in this league".

Edwards played his 151st game in black and white on Saturday against Morton, helping himself to an assist for Lewis McCann's goal in Dunfermline's 3-1 victory.

"I knew I was getting close but it is a nice feeling," he said of reaching 150.

"I've done alright. I've managed to avoid any bad injuries, although I’d say it is definitely more luck than it is looking after myself!"

Although his management team disagree on what his actual position is, one thing the player himself is certain about is the improvements he's made to his game from when he first arrived at the club.

"I could almost be a striker these days as well," he joked.

"I wouldn’t say that I've got a nailed down position any more. It's just like I know where to be when we've not got the ball, and I know where to be when we've got the ball.

"It's not a free role but it's a bit of everything I've got now. I’m enjoying it, it's good and I’m enjoying the attacking side a lot more than I used to.

"Under Stevie Crawford I was much more of a defensive player, making sure that no-one was going by me, but these days I feel like I've definitely improved and I’m much more of an attacking threat than I used to be.

"I don’t think it’s any secret there are better ball players at the club than me.

"But me being able to use what I’m good at, and that's running, using my pace and putting balls into the box, and using my fitness to get back and help the boys as well, it’s definitely made me a better player.

"It makes me look better as well and I’m relishing it. It's good for me to use my part of the game that I’m good at."

When asked what Edwards' precise position on the pitch is, McPake said: "I say left midfield. Dave Mackay (his assistant manager) says left wing back because he is the old-fashioned full back, while I'm maybe trying to be smart!

"Left wing back but, even when he is playing left back, he plays like left wing. When Ewan Otoo plays left centre back, at times he is playing left wing, overlapping Josh at times. It is an interesting group that we have got.

"They have fun out there and that’s the main thing. We have a young squad that plays without fear, they just run and go.

"Josh is excellent as a left wing back. As a left back he is excellent.

"He is massively important. I don’t normally make these statements but there is not a better left back in this league - even though he is not playing left back! 

"He is fantastic and, comparing left backs who I have played with, or coached and managed, Josh is up there."

When asked for his favourite moments in a Dunfermline jersey so far, Edwards said: "Maybe my full debut, when I got my first start at Celtic Park, that was a good one.

"The Falkirk game at home last season, when we won 2-0 - I enjoyed that one. The 4-3 at Airdrie and the Queen of the South 5-0 to win the Championship.

"Another good one was beating Arbroath here 1-0 with a last minute header by Kev (Kevin O'Hara). That was Boxing Day during Covid; it was the first game where I was involved in a last minute winner.

"There have been so many games I have really enjoyed playing in. Hopefully long may it continue."