Burton Albion have followed up yesterday’s signing of Chris Hussey with the arrivals of Phil Edwards, Michael Symes and Ian Sharps.
Symes and Sharps both join the Brewers permanently after successful loan spells during the 2012/13 campaign, whilst Edwards arrives at the Pirelli Stadium having left Rochdale this summer.
Edwards, 27, began his career at Wigan Athletic before becoming a mainstay at the heart of Accrington Stanley’s defence between 2005 and 2012.
The Merseyside-born defender made over 200 appearances during his time at the Crown Ground and played an integral role in the side that gained promotion to the Football League in 2006; before helping Stanley cement their status in League 2 in the following seasons.
Symes, 29, became an important part of Burton’s squad having spent the second half of the 2012/13 campaign at the club; scoring four goals in 14 starts in the process.
The former Everton trainee arrives with a wealth of experience having enjoyed notable previous spells at Shrewsbury Town, Accrington Stanley and Bournemouth.
Sharps, 32, is another player with a vast amount of experience; the centre-back making over 450 Football League appearances for the likes of hometown club Tranmere Rovers, Shrewsbury Town and latterly Rotherham United.
Of the three signings Burton Albion Manager Gary Rowett commented: ‘I’m delighted to have Phil, Michael and Ian on board and it is pleasing to now see the squad taking shape.
‘It was important to keep the nucleus of the side together and in that respect it’s great to have Michael and Ian back with us permanently.
‘They both have plenty of experience, know what the club is all about and in both cases have expressed a real desire to come back here and help the side kick on next season.
‘In Phil we have a player who knows what it takes to be successful at this level as well as the league above and he is a very consistent performer.
‘At 27 he’s also at a good age to continue progressing and I’m sure he’ll prove to be a big asset to the club.’