Bristol Rovers have brought in a goalkeeper with international pedigree in Luke Southwood, with the Northern Ireland international ready to battle it out for the No.1 shirt at BS7.
Registering 18 appearances for Sky Bet League One outfit Bolton Wanderers last campaign, the 27-year-old has signed for the Gas on a two-year contract and is ready to get to work with some familiar faces.
Having previously worked with Head Coach Darrell Clarke and Head of Goalkeeping James Bittner, the shot-stopper told BRTV that his connections with the duo played a significant role in his move to the Pirates.
Southwood joins Jed Ward and new addition Brad Young in the goalkeeping department and is ready to battle for his place in the side with pre-season well underway...
Luke, first of all, welcome to Bristol Rovers. How does it feel to be here?
“Thank you, and I am buzzing. I’m really happy to get it done, and I can’t wait to get going.”
What made you think that Bristol Rovers was the right choice for you?
“There was a lot of things. I know James Bittner, and I know the gaffer really well. I’ve worked with them before, and I know under them, I can progress, and I can bring a lot to the way they want to play and do things.
"Secondly, the Club. I’ve played against the Club loads of times over the last few years, and the fanbase is brilliant. You can feel the passion, and I just feel like it’s a Club that’s matching my ambition, and I want to get on board with it.”
You mentioned Bittner and Darrell Clarke there. How important were those previous connections to you coming here?
“It was massive. Personally, for me, working with the goalkeepers and Bittner, I know I’m going to be able to develop and keep improving, and then with the gaffer, I know the way he wants to play, I know the way he works, and I know what I can bring to the table for him. So, I think it’s a massive chance for me to really kick on.”
What were the early conversations with Darrell Clarke and Ricky Martin like?
“They were pretty easy, to be honest, because I knew the gaffer already, and with Ricky, it was really easy. So, the conversations did not take too long, and there wasn’t much persuading to be done.”
You’ve got plenty of experience in the EFL as well. How much do you think that will help you going into the new season?
“I think I’ve picked up a lot of games in my career so far, and I obviously want to keep building on that. I think with what this Club wants to do this season, I think I will be able to help, give experience, and I feel like I’ve seen a lot of things already, and I’m motivated to keep going.”
You’ve got experience on the international stage as well. What was that like?
“It’s been brilliant. I’ve been with Northern Ireland over the years, and it’s a great experience. That’s another motivation to come here and do well because I want to kick on with that as well.”
You’ve mentioned coming up against Bristol Rovers a few times, especially at The Mem. What do you remember from those atmospheres?
“It’s a tough place to play. That’s what I remember. I spoke to Bittner last year when I played there, and the atmosphere is intense. It feels like it’s a tough place to play, and obviously, I can’t wait to be on the right side of that for once.”
Goalkeeper unions are always really tight. How ready are you to fight for the shirt?
“With goalies, it’s all about pushing each other every day, working hard and obviously, we’re all fighting for that one spot. But we’re all pushing each other, and I think with a good goalkeeper union, which I’m sure we’ll have here, that’s what you do, and you get the best out of each other. So, I can’t wait to put my mark down and have a good go.”
From a personal point of view, what will you bring to the changing room here?
“I would like to think that I’m a good character. I would like to think I’m always positive, and energetic, and I would like to think I’m a winner, most importantly. I think that’s what the gaffer would say about me as well, hopefully. He knows I’m going to drive standards, and I’m going to want us to do well as a team but also enjoy it at the same time as well. So, I’m excited.”
Finally, have you got a message for the Gasheads?
“I just can’t wait to play in front of you lot home and away, and let’s make this a successful season.”
