CARLOS EDWARDS last night praised Wrexham fans after agreeing to sign for Luton Town.
The Trinidadian wing-back, 26, rejected the Dragons' offer of a new two-year deal in favour of Championship football next season with the League One champions.
Edwards, who is currently with Trinidad and Tobago on World Cup duty, said: "I've had five great years at Wrexham and I really love the club and the town.
"But I couldn't pass up this opportunity to play at a higher level. "That's all I've wanted to do throughout my career and I hoped it could be with Wrexham.
"Luton have gone up from League One into the Championship and that's just one step away from the Premiership, which is where I have always wanted to play."
Edwards, signed in 2000 from Trinidadian side Defence Force, added: "I'd like to thank people like Joey Jones, Brian Flynn and Kevin Reeves for giving me my chance in English football. Wrexham will always be the first result I look for.
"I wish I could say goodbye to all the Wrexham fans personally because of the great times I've had with them. Winning the LDV Vans Trophy was a highpoint of my career and any time I'm free I'll be back at the Racecourse to watch them."
Edwards was tracked by Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds, Sheffield United, Coventry and Plymouth, but chose the Hatters where he will sign a three-year deal.
His agent Mike Berry said: "I hope Wrexham fans will wish Carlos the best. We told Denis Smith on Monday morning that Carlos would be rejecting the deal. We wanted the club to know early so they could make other arrangements.
"There was a lot of interest in Carlos, but in the end we were very impressed with Luton boss Mike Newell and chairman Bill Tomlins.
"They are an ambitious club about to move to a new stadium and Carlos is excited to be with working with one of the brightest young coaches in the game.
"Carlos loved his time at Wrexham, but this was an important contract and he wanted to play at a higher level."
