BLUES defender Reece James has thanked Joe Edwards for his help getting into the first team.

The message comes after Edwards took a new job at Everton to join up with former Chelsea manager and player Frank Lampard.

Edwards has joined Lampard’s backroom staff at the Toffees after the ex-Chelsea boss was announced yesterday.

James showed his appreciation on social media as he said: "Good luck, Joe.

"I wish you nothing but the best. You helped me in so many positive ways all the way through the academy into the first team.

"Forever thankful."

Edwards made a big contribution to James's game ever since he was a youngster at Chelsea's academy in Cobham.

Lampard has also brought former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich assistant manager Paul Clement with him to Everton as first-team coach.

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