Sheffield United was the only club for me, says George Long as goalkeeper signs new deal

The 22-year-old stopper will spend the next two years at Bramall Lane after verbally agreeing a deal with new boss Chris Wilder a week ago.

Long finished the last campaign as United’s No.1 under previous boss Nigel Adkins, and is currently the oldest goalkeeper on the club’s books after Mark Howard was released.

And the Sheffield-born Blades fan said: “I’m very pleased that things have finally been sorted out. It’s great to get the contract signed and sealed, and now I can look forward to the start of the season.

“The change of manager delayed things a little - when things like that happen, a player’s contract takes a back seat - and the new gaffer wants to be a little more hands on with contracts, so little tweaks were made and discussions had to take place.

“Then things like going away on holiday can delay things without anyone really meaning to. But it was always United for me; I never wanted to move, and I never looked to move away.

“It’s a club going places and should, without a doubt, be higher up; definitely in the Championship, and pushing for a place in the Premier League.

“There’s a chance of promotion next season, which is long overdue, and that’s something I want to be a part of with this club.”

United dispensed with Adkins’ services after he guided them to 11th in League One last season.

“It was disappointing and frustrating to not get the promotion we all want,” Long added, “but personally it was good to play so many games in the first-team and find a consistent level of performance throughout the season.

“I’m always trying to improve, I’ll continue to try and do that and hopefully I can help this club to promotion.”