Dartford hosted Hastings United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday. Louis Dunne featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Louis Dunne arrived on an initial two-month loan deal from National League South outfit Chelmsford City back in November. The Attacking Midfielder made his Dartford debut in the 3-0 victory at Hastings United at the end of that month.
The 23-year-old, who has represented the Republic of Ireland at U15, U17, and U18 levels, has been an important member of Ady Pennock’s side since his arrival and has even agreed (together with his parent club) to remain at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park until the end of the season.
Whilst goals haven’t come for the hard-working midfielder yet, he has made 17 appearances for the Darts, twelve of which have come in the starting eleven. With an eye for creativity, Louis is quick to help his teammates in the final third of the pitch and has been instrumental in the side’s recent good run.
With the Darts suffering only two defeats in the last 24 Isthmian Premier League fixtures, it’s no wonder that Louis is in good spirits during the time of our discussion over WhatsApp…
“I’m really good thanks Chris. It feels really good to be playing for Dartford. We’ve been on a great run of form and, despite us losing two of the last three games, being able to contribute to the run has been a great feeling.”
“You can tell,” he continues “with the fans’ support home and away, that they’ve been enjoying the run too, and that gives us players a lift on the pitch.”
It’s nice to hear a player offering praise to the supporters right off the bat, afterall, they’re a huge part of a successful team. The support and noise of the Dartford faithful is certainly noticeable at every game, both home and away, and a motivational tool in opposition players choosing to sign for the club.
What made Louis decide to join the Darts on loan?
“I signed for Dartford based off of how good the club is. On a personal level, I needed to gain more minutes too because of being in and out at Chelmsford since the start of the season. Having played and being a part of a great group of lads, when the gaffer asked me to stay until the end of the season, it was a no-brainer for me Chris. I’ve really enjoyed playing for the club and being a part of a fantastic dressing room.”
When he’s not playing football, Louis is a full-time Academy Coach and the Community Officer at the Clarets. With such a busy working life, how does he balance everything and keep himself fit and healthy?
“It’s hard Chris because of the hours I work. But I plan my week around my football. This includes gym times, recovery days, training days, and food etc… I always plan ahead and around football… that helps me.”
He continues, “I always work my weeks around this. I’ll plan where and when I can go to the gym, and where I need to recover. I always take this seriously, and I try to eat as clean and healthily as possible, whilst working and training. I’ve tried a lot of different things since dropping out of professional football, so it’s taken time to adjust to working and playing. But, I now feel good with my health and wellbeing.”
You read that correctly. Louis was a professional player. And since dropping down into the Non-League game, he is putting something back into the sport by working two roles for Chelmsford City.
Since he is a full-time Academy Coach, let’s rewind to the beginning of his career. Did Louis begin in a football Academy?
“Yeah, I started in an Academy when I was seven. I was at Colchester United. I played in the Academy, all the way up until the First Team. Unfortunately, I was released when I was 22-years-old.”
Louis’ journey then took him to Concord Rangers, Farnborough, and Chelmsford City (via a loan spell with Hayes & Yeading United). Is he happy with how his career has panned out so far?
“Yes, I’m happy. To be playing football as a living is a win for me. To be doing something I enjoy as a job is unreal Chris. Obviously, you have moments where you feel you could have done more, but I have no regrets. I’m still young(ish), so I still have ambitions and goals to work towards.”
He continues, “I was fortunate enough to have been a professional footballer. Of course, everyone would be lying if they said they wouldn’t want to become that again. However, I really enjoy my coaching role and I have really enjoyed semi-professional football as well.”
What about the future?
“I try to not think too much about the future, as you can get caught up in it at times. Certainly, I’d love to get promoted with this club, as everyone here deserves that. But, we know that we need to take it game by game going into the back end of the season. We need to work hard in everything we do, so that we can make the goal of promotion a reality.”
Louis Dunne… a man with a goal in mind and a steely determination to achieve it, without getting caught up in the whys, wherefores, and what-ifs. A man who is focused on helping the Darts win promotion back to the National League South. And as our conversation reaches its end, he has a few words for the Dartford faithful too…
“I honestly can’t thank you fans enough! As a new player coming in, it can be daunting at times because, you want everyone to like you as a person and as a player. And I know that can’t always be the case. But, every fan I’ve met, or seen on social media, has been so welcoming and so kind. They just want me to do well, so I can’t thank you all enough. Hopefully, we can repay you all with more good performances on the pitch.”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Faith.
Favourite Food?
Chicken and Chorizo Paella or, as a cheat meal, Pizza.
Favourite Drink?
Coffee.
TV Series or Film?
Film.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
Steven Gerrard.
Non-Sporting Hero?
My Mum & Sisters.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
I like all sports but don’t follow them like I follow football.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Skip (Josh Hill).
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Steven Gerrard (ex-Liverpool)
Andreas Iniesta (ex-Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
By Chris Palmer