He scored his first goal in September 1962, and three months later played in one of the greatest games to ever take place at East End Park, the 6-2 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup victory over Spanish giants Valencia. In the nine years he spent with the Athletic, Alex played in 346 competitive games, scoring 56 goals.

One of the most talented players ever to take to the pitch at East End Park, Alex made 30 European appearances for the Pars, the second highest by any Athletic player. A tricky winger and accurate crosser of the ball, he helped take the Athletic to two cup finals in 1965 and 1968. Although he received caps for the Under 23s and the Scottish Amateur side, it was a puzzle to the support that he never received the full international cap his play deserved.

Along with Barrie Mitchell, Alex Edward found himself in dispute with the club at the beginning of season 70/71 and as a result Dunfermline were deprived of his services until the November. With the club in financial turmoil and the emphasis on youth, a number of experienced players were moved on including Alex, who aged just 25, transferred to Hibernian in October for the bargain price of £13,000.