Des Buckingham Discusses Kyle Edwards’ Return and Contract Status

Oxford United head coach Des Buckingham emphasized the importance of not looking too far ahead concerning Kyle Edwards’ future. Edwards, who signed a short-term deal in September, is set to be out of contract in January. The forward has only been available for four Championship matches this season due to an ankle injury. Following Saturday’s visit to Plymouth, for which Edwards appears doubtful, the U’s are scheduled to travel to QPR before playing Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United, Cardiff, and Argyle again, to conclude their 2024 fixtures. “He’s back with the group but I don’t know whether next weekend may be too soon for him,” Buckingham told BBC Radio Oxford’s podcast ‘The Dub’. He added: “We know the player he is and it’s making sure we keep him fit. He hasn’t had a long spell of being back and showing people what he can do in a period of time but, in the snapshots we have seen of him in the 90 minutes we have seen what type of player and how good he is.” Edwards also only managed to play four games of Oxford’s League One promotion winning campaign last year owing to a serious hamstring problem. Despite this, Buckingham has been keen to downplay whether this makes it an even bigger month for his future prospects. “He will be very good and very impactful for us throughout December and that’s the most important thing for us and him, without looking too far forward,” Buckingham added.