Top analyst to return to New Zealand for Director of Football role at Papamoa

After working as a professional analyst for English clubs Derby County and Rotherham United, Carl Edwards is returning to his native New Zealand to take up a role with Bay of Plenty club Papamoa.

Edwards (33) has been appointed the club’s new Director of Football — Community, replacing Jim Burtenshaw.

He has worked for various clubs and national bodies as a professional analyst, including the Houston Dynamo in the United States, Wellington Phoenix, NZ Football and US Soccer.

Jim Burtenshaw … to become Director of Football at Tauranga Boys College.

Before leaving New Zealand, he was an analyst for Auckland City, a member of the club’s staff when they finished third at the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup.

Main photo: Carl Edwards … already started work on 2024 plans.

Burtenshaw (26) has taken a role as the Director of Football at Tauranga Boys’ College, and will continue to coach at FC Tauranga Moana, the entity which is a partnership between Papamoa and neighbours Tauranga City.

Edwards is still working for English Football League One club Derby County but says he’s started work from afar on his plans for the club, anticipating his return to New Zealand.

“After being away from New Zealand for the last few years and working in professional football, the plan was always to return to New Zealand and settle in Papamoa with my family,” he told the club’s social media followers.

“I am excited by the vision of the club to assist in developing football in the area, not only for players but also coaches and administrators. I look forward to also being able to support your affiliated club, FC Tauranga Moana, with skills that I have learned while being away.”

Burtenshaw said his role at Tauranga Boys High was new, and he saw it as an “amazing opportunity”  to develop as a coach and also strengthen the quality of youth players in the region.

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