Gloucester-born Edwards has been out of action since rupturing his cruciate knee ligament against Blackburn Rovers in February and has been working hard alongside Head Physio Marc Czuczman in a bid to get back to full fitness, and was rewarded for his efforts with a twenty-minute run out against the Shrews.
The 28-year-old, who recently agreed terms on a one-year contract extension, insisted that he has only been able to make it back to action with the support of everyone at the club, before going on to revel just how tough the last nine months have been.
Speaking via the club's official website - www.Saddlers.co.uk, Joe said; "It’s amazing. I have waited nine and half months for that moment. It’s taken a lot of hard work and having a lot of supportive people around me to make it happen.
"Then to get that opportunity to play again is something I have dreamt about since the minute it happened. My family were here to watch it which was really nice. I have only got through it because of the support I have had around me both from my family and friends and from all the boys.
"The staff have been fantastic here at the club. I can’t thank Rev enough, he has been magnificent with me. There have been some tough times, especially when you are on your own but coming in every day and seeing the boys, having that support from my parents, family and my girlfriend has been amazing.
"It’s been a challenge but something I have taken head on and luckily come out the other side of."
"Then to get that opportunity to play again is something I have dreamt about since the minute it happened. My family were here to watch it which was really nice. I have only got through it because of the support I have had around me both from my family and friends and from all the boys.
"The staff have been fantastic here at the club. I can’t thank Rev enough, he has been magnificent with me. There have been some tough times, especially when you are on your own but coming in every day and seeing the boys, having that support from my parents, family and my girlfriend has been amazing.
"It’s been a challenge but something I have taken head on and luckily come out the other side of."