Louis Longridge sold on Dunfermline
Sunday, 3rd Jun 2018"My confidence is high and I know that when I played previously in this division at Raith Rovers that I can do it at this level consistently.
Louis Longridge signed a one year deal at Dunfermline and when he spoke to the media he admitted that the manager`s words and ambitions had a major impact on him choosing to come to East End Park:-
"I spoke to the manager and just hearing his plans for next season, where he sees me playing and having a major influence in his team.
"He sold the club really well but I knew prior to that it was a big club. Playing for Falkirk in the derby you could see that there was a big fan base on both sides.
"I am just excited to get started and with my brother signing as well it is handy for myself and my family. My mum and dad won`t need to travel all over the country, they will be able to focus on Dunfermline for next season.
"I knew that there was interest in my brother coming as well and it is a great opportunity not just to come to a good club but to play alongside my brother as well. There were a number of factors that led to me signing on the dots."
Jackson and Louis Longridge sign
Sat, 2nd Jun 2018
Louis and Jackson have three other brothers and so they take turns with uncles and parents in supporting the pair on the pitch.
"When we broke the news to them last night that there was a possibility of us signing here, they were happy for us. A few commented and joked that they would not have to travel here there and everywhere. They just need to be at the one game and the one time and place. We are happy to be here."
Louis Longridge played youth football for Barrachnie and Harmony Row, before joining Bo`ness United in February 2012. He swiftly moved on to Hamilton Academicals making his professional debut in the league match against Raith Rovers in April that year.
He made 164 appearances for Hamilton but found himself loaned out to Raith in January 2016 and then Falkirk in October last year. His move to Falkirk was made permanent in January but left the Bairns at the end of that season.
At Dunfermline it will be the first time that Louis and Jackson will have played together at senior level. Louis continued:-
"When he was at Livingston I played against him and when he was at Ayr United before that I played against him when I was at Hamilton. We are happy that we are going to be going into games fully focused. It is going to be a strange feeling but one that I am looking forward to.
"I think my parents will be even prouder of us lining up in the same team. Hopefully we can bring success and have good memories here together that we will keep for the rest of our lives.
"I am delighted to be here and the fact that he has signed as well is a bonus for myself personally and the family.
"When we go into games we will just want the best for each other. The fact that it is somebody that you have grown up with, you have loved and is closer to you, you obviously want the best for him maybe more than the others maybe.
"It may be a biased opinion but the way we are and the way we have grown up, with me and our other brothers, we are all very close and tight knit. We always want the best out of each other and the best for each other, so I think that will pay off on the pitch.
"It can only be a benefit for Dunfermline the fact that the two of us will be on the pitch together. We will just try and drive each other on as well as our other team mates. I will try and help as much as I can and obviously chip in with my goals and assists as well.
"For next season to be successful it will need to be a full team effort. Hopefully his performances and my performances can help the team be as far up the table as possible."
Louis started last season playing SPL football with Hamilton and his stats reveal good contribution for minutes played. He got a beneficial regular run of games at Falkirk that has built up his confidence. Evidence of that is the seven goals he scored and double figure assists in his 28 starts there.
"That kind of run of form is something that I need to take into this season. I need to get a good proper pre season under my belt and try and kick off the season as a flyer.
"My confidence is high and I know that when I played previously in this division at Raith Rovers that I can do it at this level consistently. A couple of SPL teams were sniffing about but I felt for my career and for where I want to go next and in the future to develop, I felt that this was the right fit for me.
"To get another year in the Championship, score goals, assists and you never know what can happen after that."
Louis played on the left at Hamilton, sometimes swapped over to the right but with Falkirk he played more of a number 10 role but he can also play upfront.
"The manager told me that was why he was adamant to get me because I was versatile and could play in a number of positions. He feels that I have done it at this level and have experience of SPL as well.
"Hopefully this season Dunfermline can get off to a flyer, maintain a challenge at the top and push for promotion."
Louis will of course need to go back to Falkirk as a Dunfermline player. He explained how he felt about crossing the great divide:-
"You have to way up all options. Falkirk fans were great with me when I was there. I felt I was successful there for them and gave 110 per cent every single game.
"The manager and everyone to do with Falkirk were good to me so I have never got a bad word to say about anyone there. I enjoyed my time there but now I am a Dunfermline player so when I go back there, there is going to be fans who are not happy with it. Maybe some fans will remember how well I did for them, it just depends.
"As a player you just go there and focus on playing and enjoying football. Similar to when I was playing against Dunfermline with Falkirk I was just trying to do my best and win the game. That won`t change.
"Every single game I play, I play to win whether it is against Falkirk in a rival match and people are not happy with it, I can`t affect that. I just need to go out, perform, put all that at the back of my mind and do the best that I can on the pitch."
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