You can take David Edgar out of Forge FC, but you can’t take Forge out of David Edgar.
The former Canadian men’s national team defender and two-time CPL champion rejoined the Hamilton side as an assistant coach Thursday – just a few months after retiring as a player. Speaking to Forge FC host Louis Butko, the 33-year-old Edgar spoke about “organically” returning to the club.
“There wasn’t really much dialogue [about me coming back when I retired],” Edgar said. “It happened organically through my relationship with Bobby [Smyrniotis] and the coaching staff. I probably won’t have those first-day jitters when I come back to this group that’s for sure.
“I’m just delighted to get this opportunity and get to work with some great people.”
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Edgar, a native of Kitchener, Ont., made 25 appearances for Forge after first signing in August 2019. The former Newcastle United and Burnley defender announced his retirement last Fall, citing setbacks from a knee injury he suffered in December 2016.
He is set to replace Peter Reynders, Forge coach Bobby Smyrniotis’ assistant through the club’s first two seasons. Reynders left the club earlier this year, citing a return to his family in Belgium.
“I’m extremely passionate about Canadian soccer and I don’t think there is a better place for me right now, to start this journey,” Edgar said, adding he’s looking forward to learning the “day-to-day” of coaching under Smyrniotis.
“I learned a lot from him as a player… I was always asking questions and now I can really dive into the brain of Bobby.”
Edgar made 42 senior international appearances for Canada (37 starts), including the 2013 and 2015 Concacaf Gold Cup squads, registering four goals and three assists.