Shane Long has seemingly been part of the Southampton furniture since the beginning of time itself, and the Republic of Ireland international’s stay with the Saints is set to go on beyond this season.
Long agrees new two-and-a-half-year deal with Southampton #SaintsFC | https://t.co/rO9wnA9mtd pic.twitter.com/FQKHfwcF2t
— Read Football (@ReadFootballCo) February 12, 2020
The Southern Daily Echo report that the 33-year-old striker is set to sign a contract extension with the south coast club after becoming a crucial part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton system, with Long being identified as Danny Ings’ ideal partner in the two-man attacking line.
Is Shane Long Danny Ing's perfect striking partner?
Yes
No
And lots of Southampton fans on social media were buzzing to see Long get the recognition he deserves after developing this season into one the club’s most important players and putting in a series of good performances in recent weeks.
Here’s what many Saints fans had to say about the news on Twitter…
Hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. People who dislike him will always dislike him. But does so much more for the team than many realise. He’s been excellent this season, and deserves a new deal. #saintsfc https://t.co/NcqW5O8AhK
— The Archers Road End (@ArchersRoadEnd) February 12, 2020
Yep! Thumbs up from me! Have liked Shane from day 1.. hard worker, pain to defend, great work ethic, nice guy, role model, great dad and lovely wife
— (@RossiBakes) February 12, 2020
I’m so stoked to see this – Longy is one of my fav players if not my fav – his attitude team play non stop commitment just everything you want as a manager in a player and us as #saintsfc fans can only be so happy to have a player like this – he is a saint through and through
— Saint Foo Fighter (@SaintFooFighter) February 12, 2020
He’s not the best footballer but he works his socks off every game and deserves it!
— Alwyn Short (@AlwynShort) February 12, 2020
I agree, it’s the same with a few players at the club, if you don’t like a player then that will never change, too many scapegoats in our team. I for one and a huge shane long fan and I’m glad he’s getting a new contract
— Chris (@Saint_Chris84) February 12, 2020
Always liked Shane Long yes he went off the boil a bit, like most of the team, but he is a work horse
— Robbie (@RobbieDonMaher) February 12, 2020
As stats from Transfermakt show, Long has not been too impressive in front of goal, yet his holdup play and link with Ings is what has made him a favourite for Hasenhuttl this season.
