Longridge would not rule out Raith return

Easter Road - Edinburgh - Fife -
Premiership play-off 2nd leg - Hibs v Raith -
35 min- McGregor blocks Louis Longridge, whilst keeper Logan was out of his box -
credit - FPA - — Easter Road - Edinburgh - Fife - Premiership play-off 2nd leg - Hibs v Raith - 35 min- McGregor blocks Louis Longridge, whilst keeper Logan was out of his box - credit - FPA -

Louis Longridge says he would consider a return to Raith Rovers next season if the club made him an offer.

The Hamilton winger impressed during his four-month loan spell at Stark’s Park and with his Accies future in doubt, he would be open to the possibility of a permanent move to Raith this summer if approached by the next manager.

“I don’t know where I’ll be playing next season at the moment,” he told the Press.

“I haven’t heard anything.

“I was just planning on seeing the season out, and was hoping it would involve getting Raith into Premiership.

“It came to an end earlier than expected so I need to go away, get a break and see what options I have - then pick the best one.

“If Raith came to me, I’ve enoyed my time here, and it wouldn’t be one that I would rule out, regardless of who the manager is.

“It’s a great club, and a great bunch of lads in the changing room. That was one of main things I’ve enjoyed here.”

Longridge was speaking after the 2-0 defeat to Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday that ended Rovers interest in the promotion play-offs.

“Everyone’s down and disappointed,” he said. “We’re annoyed that we didn’t see it through to the semi-finals.

“We knew we had to come here, keep it tight, and not give anything away, but we didn’t get off to a great start, losing the two goals, and it took us 25 minutes before we got going.

“We showed in the second half that we’re just as good, if not better, but the start killed us.

“We’d planned all week after Wednesday to keep it tight and we knew we would have opportuntiies at the other end. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be and we’re frustrated we couldn’t see it through.”

Longridge had Raith’s best chance of the match late in the first half when the ball broke to him in the box, but after choosing to go around goalkeeper Conrad Logan, he was crowded out.

“I was going to put the laces through it, but the big keeper has come out and I’ve just seen players behind him, so I thought best option was to try get past him first,” he said.

“At the time, it was a split-second decision. If I’d put that away it would have shaken the crowd and we might’ve got a bit momentum. It could’ve changed everything.”