We’re delighted to announce the signing of the young box-to-box midfielder, I-Lani Edwards, on loan from Aston Villa.

A product of the Aston Villa academy, Edwards has been with the Villans since the age of 10. He’s a box-to-box operator capable of linking play.

He signed a scholarship in July 2022 and penned his first professional contract two years later, making a handful of Premier League 2 appearances in 2024/25, with further game time in the Vertu Trophy.

Paul Caddis speaking on the new arrival:

“I want to start by thanking Tony Carrs, Adam Henshaw and all the football staff at Aston Villa for trusting us with I-Lani and his development, but most importantly understanding the financial restraint we have and making this deal possible for both I-Lani and us as a football club.

“I-Lani is a dynamic, forward-thinking midfield player who I believe can further his football career by spending time in senior football. He is someone I have huge admiration and trust in to come in and make an impact for us, and I am really looking forward to working with him.

“Further to that, for those who are asking, yes, he is “someone I’ve had my eye on for some time”.”