New pro Louis driven by his dad's memory

10:00am Monday 9th June 2008

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Living the dream of becoming a professional footballer has particular poignancy for Albion prospect Kane Louis.

The teenage striker has dedicated his promotion from scholar to fully fledged pro to his late father.

Tommy Louis was just 43 when, in February, he lost his battle against cancer of the esophagus. He was a popular figure on the non-league Sussex scene as a defensive and midfield stalwart of Whitehawk.

To Kane he is the dad responsible for shaping a career which has just taken another step forward with elevation to the senior ranks on a one-year contract.

He said: "I remember telling him that I would do it for him so that is a good feeling. It's been hard but I was so determined and I still am to do well now for the rest of my career.

"I was at Hove Park when I was younger and he started coaching there. When we played games he told me how I did. He wouldn't say I played well every game. He would tell me what I needed to work on.

"I learnt a lot from him. That is why I have dedicated becoming a pro to him. I look back and remember things he said, like getting your arms up and standing strong. I remember it and just try to do it.

"He loved football. He was like a personal trainer to me."

Albion pride themselves on being a family club' and Louis is grateful for the support he has received during the grieving process.

The first team wore black armbands at Cheltenham in February and the Seagulls turned out in force for his dad's funeral.

He said: "Joe Lynch has been a good friend and Tommy Fraser too.

"It has not just been the younger pros. The older ones, like Fozzie (Nicky Forster) and Butts (Guy Butters) have also been good. I've had loads of support from every player and the coaching staff."

There is only restricted room for sentiment in football and Louis, 18 last month, has not been taken on by Albion purely out of sympathy.

The former Dorothy Stringer pupil, spotted playing for Hove Park Colts at the age of ten, has developed into a promising forward following a spell as a central midfielder like his father.

He has already started a couple of games in the reserves and was named by former manager Dean Wilkins in the senior squad for the FA Cup tie against Stafford Rangers two seasons ago.

Louis said: "I like getting the ball to feet and turning, finding nice little passes or taking people on.

"I should get more goals but I like setting people up as well. I like to be buzzing all the time.

"I support West Ham and I used to like Jermain Defoe. I was annoyed when he went. I always looked up to him and Joe Cole. I like players that play with freedom - they just look happier."

More defenders and midfielders have progressed through the ranks at Albion than strikers, although Louis points to the enigmatic former Seagull who is now an international playing in the Champions League.

He said: "Colin Kazim-Richards is quite inspiring as well, because he has done so well for himself.

"I don't try to play like him but he was in the same situation as I am really, playing in the reserves."

Louis' promotion to senior level, together with defender Andy Pearson and midfielders Day Royce and Kane Wills, has coincided with the return of Micky Adams as manager. That was unsettling initially but Kane is now relishing the opportunity of trying to impress the manager who was in charge when he joined Albion as a nipper.

He said: "At first I was thinking what is going to happen to me', because I hadn't even signed my contract. But, when I think about it now, it's a new start.

"He has said every player is going to have their chance so hopefully I can show him what I can do and get some games. Everyone says he is a good manager but it's up to me really to do it."