**Charlie Gilmour** has become Neil Lennon’s first new addition to the squad for the upcoming season. The 26-year-old Brighton-born player joins the Pars following two impressive seasons with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, where he made 38 appearances last season and 34 the previous campaign, starting all but three of those games. Speaking after completing his move to East End Park, Charlie expressed his enthusiasm about joining the club:- “I’m just looking forward to getting going now. Obviously, we start a week on Friday, so just can’t wait to start using my feet now.”
The midfielder was immediately impressed by what he encountered at Dunfermline: “I’m already impressed and I’ve only been here ‘half an hour’. Just so professional and I can’t wait to get going. I’ve played here a few times with Inverness and I knew they were a good team from when we played them. It’s a big club when you see it and I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans. It’s a big fan base, so I’m looking forward to that as well.”
**Stability and Ambition**
The three-year contract provides Charlie with the stability he was seeking after Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s well-documented financial difficulties last season. “Yeah, definitely. I can just focus on my football now and try and aim for the Scottish Premiership,” he said when asked about the security the deal provides. Reflecting on the uncertainty at his former club, Charlie added: “I’ve been used to it, football is like a rollercoaster. I’m just looking forward to having a bit of stability now and just fully focusing on my football and progressing with the club.”
The midfielder is clear about his ambitions during his three-year stay at KDM Group East End Park: “I’ve always wanted to play at the highest level. I just want to, for myself in my career. This is a good step for me to take and I want to achieve good things at Dunfermline, I want us to get to the Premier League”.
Gilmour is determined to help Dunfermline challenge at the top of the Championship next season:- “I hope that we can challenge, start challenging for the league this year. I’ve been at the bottom of the league with Inverness last season. So, it’s just a different environment for me and one that I want to cherish.”
**Playing Style and Versatility**
Describing his playing style, the new signing confirmed his role as a defensive midfielder while highlighting his attacking contributions: “I like to get on the ball, I get stuck in and I work hard. Also, I like to get forward, pick my moments and hopefully chip in with a goal or an assist every so often.”
The versatile midfielder can operate across the middle of the park: “Yeah, more so just across the midfield. As I say, I just like getting on the ball and making things happen.”
Having already spoken with manager Neil Lennon, Charlie is looking forward to learning from the former Celtic captain who also played in defensive midfield during his illustrious playing career. “I spoke to him on the phone a few days ago and it’s been positive so far and I’m looking forward to working with him.” When asked about Lennon’s influence on his decision to join Dunfermline, Charlie added:- “Obviously, like I say, with the size of the club and obviously with the manager, he’s a big name, so I’m looking forward to it.”
**Football Journey**
Charlie Gilmour’s football education began at Arsenal’s Youth Academy, where he spent 14 formative years from the age of six to 20. “I live in Brighton and I grew up at Arsenal, playing for them from when I was six until I was 20. So I’ve had a good upbringing at Youth Academy and I’ve enjoyed it there,” he explained.
His professional pathway took him from Arsenal to Norwich City at U23 level, followed by a loan spell in Holland with SC Telstar. “I had a spell in Holland in the second division, which was very good. Obviously, it’s a different style of football to Scotland or even in England but I’ve enjoyed all different types and yeah, obviously, looking forward to Dunfermline now.”
At the age of 19 Charlie made his Arsenal first-team debut as a late substitute in their Europa League victory over Vorskla Poltava and played in a subsequent home win over FK Qarabag before eventually moving north to Scotland in February 2021 to join St Johnstone. After making 14 appearances for the Perth club and loan spells with Alloa Athletic and Cove Rangers, he joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle in July 2023.
**International Appearances**
Despite being born in Brighton, Gilmour has strong Scottish connections through his father and grandparents. This dual heritage saw him represent both Scotland and England at youth level, starting with Scotland at U15 and U16 before switching to England at U16 and U17, then returning to represent Scotland at U17 and U19 levels.
“I started with Scotland because my dad’s Scottish and then I moved over to England for a bit and then I moved back to Scotland. Chopping and changing, that’s all possible at that age group. Obviously, it’s different to play for England than it is to play for Scotland. It was just a good experience playing against different countries.”
Charlie Gilmour brings valuable Championship experience to Dunfermline, having competed extensively at this level during his time in Scottish football. The midfielder’s combination of experience, versatility, and ambition makes him an exciting addition to the squad as the Pars aim to mount a serious challenge next season.
Welcome to Dunfermline Athletic, Charlie!
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