Edwards said, "I'm an emotional person and walking over to our supporters and seeing their reaction brought me to tears. The love and affection they have given us, which goes both ways and is unique in football these days. I feel devastated, I didn't want to let anyone down and I feel responsible. I thanked the players and staff, they've given me the best 18 months of my life.
"We brought a certain spirit, the underdog factor and we changed opinions of ourselves as we went. What makes me proud is how much we have improved in the hardest league in the world.
"We have some what ifs but I'm not making excuses. Every team who goes down will have them. We have fallen short but we have to learn and keep improving.
"I am learning all the time and there is more I don't know than I do know. I've loved going up against the best and it makes me hungry to be here again. The fire is burning."