CRAIG EDWARDS says he 'can't wait' for the Boxing Day fixture against former employers Chelmsford City.
The Billericay Town boss returns to Melbourne Park for the first time since his acrimonious departure in 2006.
"I've had the game marked down in my calendar ever since the fixture list came out – I can't wait for it," he told the Chronicle.
It will be the first time the clubs have gone head-to-head for four years and Edwards knows his newly promoted side will be up against it.
"I think you'd have to say Chelmsford are massive favourites for the game," he said.
"You've just got to look at the resources they've got and the squad they've got. I think Glenn's (Pennyfather) doing a fantastic job there and they've had a fantastic run in the FA Cup."
Edwards arrived at City from Redbridge in January 2005 and kept the club in the Ryman League Premier Division before taking them to 10th place the following season.
Ironically he took charge of Chelmsford's first game back in the city – after a spell playing their home games at New Lodge – against Billericay Town.
He remains upset with the way he was dismissed after 17 months before Jeff King took over the reins. He said: "I did the best I could for Chelmsford. I came in when they were in trouble and I kept us competitive, even though I had to cut the wage bill in half.
"It didn't end well and I've not been happy about it since, I didn't feel I was treated with the respect I should have been."
Asked if he would shake Paul Hopkins', the then chairman, by the hand before the game, he said: "You're joking aren't you? No way, Absolutely not."
But he has nothing but praise for the Claret Army. "I'll never forget the send off I got from the fans," he added.
"I've got some great memories of my time there."
