Oxford United defender Sam Long has agreed on a new two-year deal with the club.
The 25-year-old, who came through the ranks with the U’s, would have seen his current contract expire at the end of the month.
Sam Long Signs New Two-Year Deal at Oxford United
Longest Serving Player
The Bicester-born full-back is the longest-serving player at the club, having joined as an eight-year-old. The new deal will see him stay at the club just short of two decades.
The full-back made his debut in April 2013. During that time, he has made 81 appearances under five different managers.
His best spell as an Oxford player has come in the last two seasons under the current manager, Karl Robinson, having put numerous injury issues behind him.
What Was Said
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Long was relieved to finally sign. He said: “Massively, there’s such a big pool of players out of contract this year and I’ve been in negotiations with Oxford for a while now.
“I’m just really glad to get it over the line and have a bit of security for myself. Hopefully, we can kick on now and get promoted.”
Time Away From Oxford
During his time at Oxford, Long has spent time away on loan. In 2014, he joined Kidderminster Harriers in a deal that saw Chey Dunkley join the U’s. Upon his return two months later, he scored his first of three Oxford goals in a defeat against Southend United. He also spent time at Hampton and Richmond Borough in 2018.
He was at the club when they secured promotion to League One under Michael Appleton in 2015/16 but rarely featured as a result of injuries.
Depth of Squad
At the moment, Long is the only right-back at the club. In fact, the defence as a whole needs reinvestment in the summer.
Regardless of what league Oxford find themselves in next season, Long could have a key role to play for the U’s given the lack of depth at the squad, but he may also be asked to fight once again for a place if new arrivals are made.
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