Blades Give Long New Deal

Last updated : 30 April 2016 By @blades_mad1889

Long, 22 is out of contract in the summer and has become the first player to be offered a new deal as Nigel Adkins looks to build on his squad for next season.

Adkins has hinted that he wishes his squad to be made up of "50 per cent" Academy players, and having made 116 appearances since coming through the Academy, Long would go towards reaching that figure.

“There’s a pathway already here and it’s up to me to develop that even more,” Adkins told the Sheffield Star. “It’s my responsibility to make sure that happens. I care a lot about academies and I’ve shown that throughout my career elsewhere. However, the flip side is also my responsibility for the first team,” he added. “I have to deliver there. You’ve got to be brave enough to put the young lads in but also know they are good enough to help you get results."