User:Mozzygumbo/David M. Edmondson

David M. Edmondson (17 December 1971) is an English born Association Football Coach now residing in New Zealand. Also a Physical Education Teacher, Edmondson had a modest playing career in the semi-professional ranks in England, playing for amongst others; Chadderton F.C., Harrogate Railway Athletic F.C. and Ossett Town F.C. Having immigrated to New Zealand in 2003, Edmondson continued to obtain his coaching licences and began his senior coaching career at Wanganui Athletic. After a season as Director of Coaching at Lower Hutt City AFC Edmondson was appointed as Head Coach of Waikato FC of the New Zealand Football Championship. Having being replaced at Waikato FC, Edmondson moved to Ngaruawahia United AFC where he led the team to promotion to the Northern Premier League [1]. In 2008 Edmondson was also appointed as Head Coach of the Premier Women's Team at Claudelands Rovers F.C. in the Northern Women's Premier League. The summer of 2008 saw Edmondson replace Kevin Fallon as Head Coach of Waikato FC [2] Edmondson continued to coach the Hamilton Boys' High School 1st X1 to local and national success throughout the 2006 - 09 seasons. In late 2009 Edmondson was appointed as Head Coach of the Young Football Ferns, the name given to the New Zealand Women's National Under-17 Football Team.

Playing Career

England

Edmondson had a modest playing career at a number of semi-professional clubs in the UK including amongst others [Chadderton F.C.]] where he progressed from the FA Youth Cup team to the 1st Team as a 16 year old, Droylsden F.C., Harrogate Railway Athletic F.C. and Ossett Town F.C., where the highlight was an FA Cup 3rd Qualifying round game against Halifax Town[3]. Edmondson ended his playing career in the UK as a player/coach at Hall Green United in the West Riding County Amateur Football League.

Hawkes Bay United

Having been replaced as coach of Waikato FC, Edmondson briefly returned to playing, for Hawkes Bay United , also of the New Zealand Football Championship, under the management of former Celtic goalkeeper, Jonathan Gould and his father, Bobby Gould. Injuries limited his appearances to 4 as cover for NZ U20 representative Phil Edgington.

Coaching Career

Wanganui Athletic

In 2003 Edmondson immigrated to New Zealand and initially played for Wanganui Athletic under former Derby County and Dunfermline Athletic F.C. professional Andy Irvine [4]. When Irvine left to coach Team Taranaki Edmondson was appointed as Player/Coach , adding experience to a young side and developing his coaching career further.

Lower Hutt City

Having achieved moderate success with Wanganui Athletic Edmondson was appointed as Head Coach and Director of Coaching at Lower Hutt City AFC in Wellington. Initially Edmondson was not expected to play but made a number of enforced appearances on the field during the 2005 Central League season. Again success and his ability to develop young players saw Edmondson move on to the New Zealand Football Championship, the New Zealand National League at the end of 2005.

Waikato FC 2005/6

As one of the youngest coaches in the recently reformed New Zealand Football Championship Edmondson faced the first setback in his coaching career. After a winless start to the season, he was replaced as coach of the team by former Auckland City FC Head Coach, Roger Wilkinson [5]

Hamilton Boy's High School 2007-09

In three seasons as coach of Hamilton Boy's High 1st XI Edmondson won three Waikato League and Cup doubles and secured the schools best National Secondary School tournament final placings with consecutive 6th, 2nd and 2nd finishes losing both finals to Kevin Fallon's Mt Albert Grammar School team. [6]

Ngaruawahia United

In 2007 Edmondson joined Ngaruawahia United, initially as coaching support for Gordon Glen Watson and Richie Harris who had just secured the side promotion from the Northern League 2nd Division. After a slow start to the season that saw the team winless and in danger of relegation, Edmondson was appointed as Head Coach. Having narrowly avoided relegation in 2007, Edmondson steered Ngaruawahia to within 1 point of promotion to the Northern League (New Zealand) in 2008, losing out on the final day of the season to Mangere United. 2009 saw Edmondson lead Ngaruawahia to the Northern Premier League , only losing 4 games all season. [7]

Claudelands Rovers Women's Premier

In 2008 Edmondson added women's football to his growing CV, taking over the coaching of Claudelands Rovers Premier Women's Team from former Bristol Rovers professional and All White,Paul Nixon. In only his second year with the team Edmondson led Claudelands to the National Knockout Cup Final, where they were defeated by Lynn-Avon United [8]. The following season saw Edmondson and Claudelands return to the Knockout Cup final and this time secure the trophy in dramatic fashion, 5-4 over pre-game favourites Three Kings United [9]. Olivia Chance secured the result from the penalty spot during extra time.

Waikato FC 2008/9

Kevin Fallon was initially appointed as Head Coach of Waikato FC for the 2008/9 season but withdrew his services before the season kicked off. Edmondson was drafted in to sign and coach a team for the coming season. Some astute signings and a strong team culture saw Waikato surprise everyone and the expected wooden spooners led the league by the Christmas break and Edmondson was awarded coach of the month for December . Injuries and suspensions hurt the squad after Christmas and the side missed out on the end of season play offs after a final day defeat at the hands of Team Wellington. Youngster Marco Rojas was signed by Edmondson and following this season moved to the Wellington Phoenix of the Australian A-League.

Young Football Ferns

On the back of his success with Waikato FC and particularly with Claudelands Rovers', Edmondson was appointed towards the end of 2009 as the Head Coach of the Young Football Ferns, the New Zealand U17 Women's National side. In April 2010 the Young Football Ferns secured their place in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup by winning the Oceania Qualifying competition. Led by Edmondson the Young Football ferns qualified comfortably with wins over The Solomon Islands (10-0), Papua New Guinea (9-0) and Tonga (18-0). As part of the teams build up they were victorious in a 3 game series against the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team, featuring a number of Junior Football Ferns and Football Ferns including Rosie White, Hannah Wilkinson, Sarah McLaughlin and Erin Nayler. In the week prior to the World Cup, the Young Football Ferns lost narrowly to eventual U17 World Cup winners, South Korea (0-1) and Quarter Finalists, The Republic of Ireland (1-2). Having moved to Trinidad and Tobago for the FIFA U17 World Cup, the Young Football Ferns lost (1-2) to Venezuela, (1-3) to eventual Bronze Medal winners Spain and suffered a heavy defeat to eventual Runners-up Japan (0-6)

External links

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