{"id":224384,"date":"2018-09-08T11:30:52","date_gmt":"2018-09-08T15:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=224384"},"modified":"2018-09-08T11:30:52","modified_gmt":"2018-09-08T15:30:52","slug":"shane-long-return-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2018\/09\/08\/shane-long-return-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Shane Long Should Return To The Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once considered an important player at Southampton<\/a>, the last few seasons have not quite been the same for Shane Long. The 31-year-old’s form has dwindled in recent seasons and has not recovered.<\/p>\n

A former Championship<\/a> player previously, a step back down to the second-tier might be what Long needs to reignite his form.<\/p>\n

Why Shane Long Should Return To The Championship<\/h1>\n

Fading Ability in the Top-Flight<\/h2>\n

In the past two seasons, Shane Long has only scored five league goals. Last season the striker only found the net twice and in the 2016\/17 season, he managed just three league goals for the Saints.<\/p>\n

The Republic of Ireland international has played in the top-flight for six years now. Turning out for the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Hull City and now Southampton, Long has plenty of experience in the Premier League.<\/p>\n

However, it appears as if his best days in the top-flight are behind him. His best season to date as a Premier League player was during the 2015\/16 season; scoring 10 league goals in 28 appearances for Southampton<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Proven Championship Pedigree<\/h2>\n

Prior to becoming an established top-flight player, Shane Long spent his earlier years on the books at Reading in the Championship. It was these years that can be considered his best.<\/p>\n

His best ever season was the 2010\/11 season at Reading where he scored 21 league goals for the Royals, firing them into the Championship play-off final.<\/p>\n

There have been times during his top-flight years where Long has proven his ability. Now if he was to return to the Championship, he would be bringing a wealth of experience with him, which will add to his already known second-tier pedigree.<\/p>\n

Plenty Left in the Tank<\/h2>\n

Despite Shane Long’s form drastically dipping in recent years, there is no doubt that there is plenty for the forward to still offer.<\/p>\n

Boasting an impressive work-rate and commitment, Long is someone who will happily do the gritty work that others will shy away from. Whether it would be chasing a long ball or pressuring the opposition in their own half, Long is capable.<\/p>\n

A move down the Championship could be a welcome move for Long, especially if he wants to reignite his prominent form in-front of goal and prove his worth as a player once again.<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit:<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>