Shane Long

I said way back that if Josh went we needed an experienced player up front to back-up the young guys and play some necessary minutes. Not sure Long is what I had in mind, but .....

if Pearson is what they say he is, we have now added some grit and sandpaper, which we have been sadly missing since Harry. Go get 'em, boys.
 
From a Saints website April last year.

Just so the few remaining doubters get their fix, Long has scored 35 goals in a Saints’ uniform across all competitions. He has averaged a goal every 425 minutes in Premier League competition or approximately a goal every 4.72 matches (Stats from transfer.markt.com). Yes, that is not goal-scoring at a prolific level, we all get it. Arguments in favor of Shane Long are just as exhaustive as fans all recognize he works incredibly hard. He runs down lost causes, routinely wins headers on both sides of the pitch, and will flat out compete from kickoff. The point here is, something has swayed the doubters, and fans are finally willing to admit the best attack in 2019-20 was a striking partnership of Danny Ings and Shane Long.

https://saintsmarching.com/2020/04/25/shane-long-a-season-of-resurgence/
 
he is a good looking chap, in the Surman mould
From a Saints website April last year.

Just so the few remaining doubters get their fix, Long has scored 35 goals in a Saints’ uniform across all competitions. He has averaged a goal every 425 minutes in Premier League competition or approximately a goal every 4.72 matches (Stats from transfer.markt.com). Yes, that is not goal-scoring at a prolific level, we all get it. Arguments in favor of Shane Long are just as exhaustive as fans all recognize he works incredibly hard. He runs down lost causes, routinely wins headers on both sides of the pitch, and will flat out compete from kickoff. The point here is, something has swayed the doubters, and fans are finally willing to admit the best attack in 2019-20 was a striking partnership of Danny Ings and Shane Long.

https://saintsmarching.com/2020/04/25/shane-long-a-season-of-resurgence/
Sounds a lot like the wardrobe arguments we had on here. I was always a fan of Fletcher so, I'm going to like Long.
 
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Don’t think at this point in his career he will offer anything but hope I’m wrong. It at least he will find plenty of lodgings to choose from with all the nursing homes
 
Can’t believe all the negativity on here to someone we’ve just signed and who is therefore an AFCB player. Like all signings, he’ll have my 100% support until he gives me a reason not to. By and large, the only reason not to is that the player has stopped trying, and I can’t see that being an issue here.

Long is not a direct replacement for King, so his goal tally is irrelevant. We’re getting, as JT says, confidence, maturity and leadership, as well as footballing intelligence and a willingness to work hard for team and teammates.

I would say that’s exactly what we need at the moment.

Welcome, Shane
 
Seems a dreadful signing on paper unless it's at truly rock bottom prices for us.

The only silver lining I can think of is that Boruc was maligned at Southampton and had a pretty decent time with us.
 
Seems a dreadful signing on paper unless it's at truly rock bottom prices for us.

The only silver lining I can think of is that Boruc was maligned at Southampton and had a pretty decent time with us.
It's a loan, and tbh what we're paying him is irrelevant, does he add anything to the team?
Again let's at least give the guy a chance, again writing him off before he's kicked a ball. It we signed Messi some on here would say he was past his best
 
I think he might be a pleasant surprise tbh.............He's a fit 34........doesn't have a heavy build.....his pace will frighten the life out of Championship defences ....i know i always felt uncomfortable we we played against him.....adds a bit of character too.
Not prolific but the likes of Dom will benefit from playing with him.
 
I find it funny how we can so easily make points about his age and yet most of us on here are nearly double his age! Also dont forget glen murray is 37 I think and is still half decent so don’t write this guy off yet!
 
Over the years we have done very well with the various loans from Saints now it is pay back time. They have dumped him onto our salary bill for a few months and their youngsters get a chance on their bench.

We have a long history of signing non scoring forwards so nothing has changed. Such a pity the donkey sanctuary on the Northbourne roundabout has closed that training option is gone. He of course will benefit from one to one coaching from Steve Fletcher.
 
Long will make more intelligent runs into the channels and closing down defenders than Solanke currently does, even if his legs aren't all there any more. Solanke has the pace and talent. Pair them up in training every bloody day, and if some of Long's intelligence/experiance can rub off on Dom over the next few months, it'll be worth it.
 
I love this place. After most games for the past 18months "The players are a bunch of individuals not playing for each other or the manager". "The promotion team worked as a team better"

We sign a player known for hard work, playing for the team and leadership. This place "Nah he ain't good enough and we need more individual skill"
I have obviously paraphrased...
 
He brings character, experience and leadership qualities. As JT said, we have a young squad and they need more experienced players around them to get the best out of them. And it's a loan, so no massive commitment on our part.

Everybody on here was saying that if we lost King then we would be light up front.
Well now we are not. Maybe not the most exciting signing ever but one which I fully understand from the manager's / club's point of view.

I'm glad we've added him to the squad and I sincerely hope he has a positive effect upon those around him.
 

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