Big Ben chimes for the Pars

Ben Richards Everton started 43 of the Pars 45 matches in 2015-2016.

The big central defender signed on for another year at East End Park satisfied that his team won promotion and will compete in the Championship next season. Speaking exclusively to the website Ben said:-

"I am delighted to sign another year here. The main aim was for us to get promoted and that is what we did. I have played week in week out and the gaffer has given me the opportunity to go out there and show what I can do.

"He wanted me to stay and I thought it was the best decision for me to stay. I had a bit of interest from down south but having weighed up all my options there was only one place for me to stay and it was here. I was glad to sign the contract."

Having won 28 of his 43 matches for Dunfermline The 23 year old from Birmingham has had a really enjoyable season, he continued:-

"It is the first season that I can really say that I have enjoyed. I played elsewhere week in week out down south but it wasn't the same because we were losing games, three or four in a row but this year we have been wiping the floor with most teams.

"It is nice, it gives you the confidence as a player as well to go out there and express yourself, show what you can do. Most of the boys will tell you that as well. The dressing room is the best that I have ever been in, there are no cliques, no bad eggs, everyone gets on and I think that is massive and why we won the title six weeks before the season finished."

Ben Richards-Everton has had several central defensive partners:-

"At the start of the season me and Callum Fordyce had a good partnership and I am delighted that he signed as well. Hopefully he can get back fit and we can play together. Touch wood we can stay injury free.

"Brad McKay has come in and done well. He has played higher level and coped well for his age. Marc McAusland he did very well too but an opportunity came up for him. He helped me a lot with his experience and I was a bit gutted when we lost him.

"We have done alright considering so many changes including Ryan Williamson at the start of the season. I am glad he is back playing now.

Ben had friends and family come up for the League trophy presentation day. Five family including two little sisters and one mate.

"It was touching for me lifting the trophy with them all watching me. These are memories that you can keep forever. Not everyone wins league medals, there are people that have had amazing careers but never won leagues.

"Leishman told us that Dunfermline have only won six league titles so it is definitely special."

Like all the players taking the step up Ben is looking forward to next season:-

"It is going to be nice playing against full time players and better strikers. All the boys will tell you the same and the games against Dundee United and maybe Raith Rovers, Hibs and Falkirk. There are going to be tough games next season, not as easy as it was for us this season.

"We need to start again and I am sure that we will be fine if we play how we played this season."

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