No need for wholesale changes at Blades, says goalkeeper Long

Goalkeeper George Long has urged Sheffield United to resist the temptation to make wholesale changes this summer after a disappointing campaign at Bramall Lane.
George Long of Sheffield UtdGeorge Long of Sheffield Utd
George Long of Sheffield Utd

United, who play out their season at home to play-off chasing Scunthorpe United tomorrow, are tenth in League One and could finish in their lowest position in recent memory if results don’t go their way on the closing day.

But Long, the 22-year-old who has re-established himself as United’s first-choice goalkeeper after playing in their last 33 games, believes that a dramatic overhaul isn’t necessary to enable Nigel Adkins’ side to challenge for promotion next season.

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“No, I don’t think there needs to be wholesale changes,” Sheffield-born Long insisted.

“There will be additions, which are always welcome because it’s good when the club are signing important players.

“Early on, we don’t think there was a great deal wrong; things just didn’t work out. There’s a lot of quality here, in our dressing room, and players who can help us get to where we want to be.

“So no, I don’t think big changes are necessary.”

Long’s endorsenent of his United teammates comes despite his acknowledgement that the club’s season has been a “massive disappointment”.

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United can still have a big influence on play-off matters, however; Barnsley are sixth, but Scunthorpe are level on points in seventh and Gillingham, one place further back in eighth, will be hoping to capitalise on any slip up from both clubs.

“We’re not thinking about the summer,” Long said.

“We want to win this game for ourselves and the supporters. We want to get some momentum going into next season with a victory under our belts.”