Lewis honoured to lead

"It is a privilege and an honour to lead the boys out, I really enjoyed the experience.

Defender Lewis Martin has been with the club for seven years now since arriving from the Rangers youth system. He has played all across the back four, has scored important goals and has now captained the side. He has grown up through the ranks from under 17s and Programme feature writer, Jordan Burt,, caught up with the Pars number 4.

Lewis has had a difficult time of things in recent seasons, through injury, suspension and a difficulty in breaking into the starting eleven.

“Going back a couple of seasons and I got moved into centre-midfield by Allan Johnston. I played two games there and I actually enjoyed it, to be fair. It wasn`t my natural position, but, as I have always said, I am willing to play anywhere, as long as it helps the team.

“I was then out the side once more for a few games, until Jason Talbot got a red-card against St Mirren. I played the final 12 games, heading into the promotion play-offs, and I felt I was doing really well. I was then offered a new contract. I was then really disappointed with how my luck went last season: I did the full pre-season but, during the BetFred Cup campaign, it came to light that I had a hernia.

“I was out for a few weeks with that and then I was back on the bench once more. It got to around Christmas time and I was warming up before a match and I just felt my hamstring go. That put my out for the remainder of the campaign, barring the final two matches.”

By the time Martin returned, Johnston had been replaced by Stevie Crawford, as DAFC`s new Head Coach.

“When I returned, I was fortunate that Jackson (Longridge) got sent-off and I came on for the final part of the match versus Morton. Due to his suspension, I was hopeful I would get an opportunity and thankfully the coaching staff put their faith in me against Inverness on the final day of the term.”

Lewis was one of the first to re-sign with Dunfermline for this season and is thriving under the stewardship of Crawford, Dair and Shields.

“Despite being out the full season, I had other option in the summer, but, the gaffer was a massive part in me staying. I love it here. I know the fans like me, the coaches like me. I knew if I came back in good shape and could remain fit, I would have a good chance of playing matches and thankfully from my point of view, it has worked out like that.”

Twenty three year old Martin has played in 26 matches so far this season for the Pars, meaning he has featured in every single match that the club has participated in this season so far.

“I feel like I have really kicked on this term. I feel fitter, I feel stronger, I am playing more consistently and I am getting a good run in the side, too. This league is really tight, but, we are doing OK. We were down in 7th a few weeks ago and now we have risen the table, but, we know how quickly it can go downhill as well. Our feet are firmly on the ground and focusing on the remaining half of the season.

“If we can keep building momentum, keep winning as many matches as possible, then, hopefully, by the end of the season, we can reach the promotion play-offs, as that has to be an aim of ours, this campaign. Our squad is more than capable of achieving that this season and I don’t see any reason why this isn`t a realistic ambition for us between now and May.”

In the home match against Morton, Lewis led out the side with both Paul Paton and Lee Ashcroft unavailable for selection.

“Against Ayr, Ashy went off at half-time, so, in the changing room, he just gave me the armband as we were heading back out and the gaffer seemed happy enough with that decision. To come to the game versus Morton and be told I would be captain – as I wasn`t aware that Ashy wouldn`t make the match – it was another nice surprise. It is a privilege and an honour to lead the boys out; I really enjoyed the experience.

“I never felt any more pressure – I just played my normal game. We knew beforehand we wanted to win and how we were going to go about trying to do that, so, I think the performances versus Ayr and Morton took care of themselves.

"I came here at Under-17`s and I have worked my way up the ranks: this club has been and still is a massive part of my life; your aim is to play for the first-team...you never know, one day in the future, I may get given the chance to wear the armband again!”

`Firsts` Q&A

First Club?
Bonnybridge Boys Club – Under-7`s to Under-10`s.

First Match?
Came on as a sub versus Morton at Cappielow for the final few minutes!

First Goal?
A header at East End versus Rangers, in League One.

First Car School?
I had a pretty decent one to be fair; Andy Geggan, Sean Murdoch, David Hopkirk and Paul McMullan!

First Footballing Friend?
Andrew Kay, who now plays with Cameolon Juniors.

First Cooking Experience?
I`m not very good...

First Car?
A Renault Clio – I just got rid of it not too long ago, in fact!

First Pet?
A Dog called Murphy, who is 11-years old!

First App You Use On Your Phone In The Morning When You Wake Up?
Snapchat!

First Concert / Gig?
A few years ago I went to Beyonce... it was with the Mrs, honest!!!

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