Louie Swain started his career as part of the Bradford City academy at the age of just thirteen before signing a professional contract with the 2013. Whilst at Valley Parade he enjoyed two loan spells, firstly at Bradford Park Avenue and then Guiseley AFC where he played under former Bradford City captain Mark Bower.
After leaving Bradford City at the start of the 2014-15 season he joined Harrogate Town on a free transfer and converted from a striker to a left-back. He settled into that position well and become the first choice left-back in Simon Weaver’s defensive unit until former Leeds United and Guiseley player Ben Parker arrived at Wetherby Road.
Swain, then moved to Spennymoor Town in August 2016 in order to find regular first team football, but later that season he returned to Harrogate Town, the following season Town won promotion to the Vanarama National League, however despite being part of the side that won promotion, he picked up a number of injuries and the club made the decision to release him at the end of the season.
At the start of this season, the defender returned to Nethermoor Park to join Guiseley but early in the campaign he suffered a third ACL injury and left the club by mutual consent before announcing his retirement from the game. Swain now runs a successful business as a personal trainer.
INTERVIEW
Biggest influence on your career in football?
The biggest influence in my football career was my dad without his support in the early stages (trials etc) I would probably have given up football all together.
What is your best football highlight?
My best football highlight comes to two parts, the first would be winning my professional contract at Bradford City and the second would have to be gaining promotion to the National League (Conference) with Harrogate Town, both are very special occasions.
What is your football lowlight?
The biggest lowlight in my career has probably been making the recent decision to stop playing and retire from football, but after 3 ACL reconstructions on my left knee it was probably the correct decision.
Tell us about your League Debut?
I never made my football league debut, but my first match in the non-league was away at Parkgate against Tadcaster Albion. I was seventeen or eighteen years old that was a real shock to the system coming from youth team football.
Toughest Opponent You faced and Why?
Tough one but I would probably have to say Danny Lloyd when he was playing for Stockport County in the Vanarama National League (North), he played in midfield and could use both feet which as a fullback defending was a nightmare. After just one season at Edgeley Park he joined Sky Bet League One side Peterborough United.
Best manager you have played for and why?
Steve Parkin (Bradford City assistant manager) was a massive influence for me as a youngster always had time for extra training and any questions you had. He engrained in me and other younger players that you need to have that go the extra mile attitude.
Best player you played with and why?
Technically Raffaela De Vita was up there and back in the day before he made it into the big league, I had a good partnership with Oli McBurnie up front. Also had training days with the Bradford City “History Makers” team was invaluable experience as there were so many great players.
Best player you played against and why?
The best player I’ve played against was Gary Jones a few years back when he was captain at Southport Football Club and he still had control of the midfield. Great player
At Bradford City you played as a striker, but you are now playing left-back how did the change of position happen and which position do you prefer?
Changing to left back came about half way through my first year pro at Bradford under Phil Parkinson he said he saw my future as a left back/wing-back and I enjoyed having everything in front of me and the different pressures of defending as opposed to the pressures of having to score. I definitely preferred full back
When the call came from Guiseley to return to the club this summer was it an easy decision as Harrogate were doing well in the league?
Unfortunately the decision was out of my hands as I had struggled with injuries and Harrogate Town decided to let me go. However I got the chance to join Guiseley in the summer but had to cut it short because of injury.
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