Sam Long Leaves Imps for EFL Newcomers

Sam Long has left Lincoln City permanently to join EFL League Two side, Bromley.

Long joined the Imps aged 16, and signed his first professional contract in 2020. The young stopper was seen as City’s eventual number one, but with Jamie Pardington and Zach Jeacock signing during the summer window and having retained the services of Lukas Jensen for another season (as things stand), his future seemed all but over at the LNER Stadium.

He made his debut in the EFL Trophy against Manchester United U21s in August 2021, going on to make two further appearances in that competition. As the 2021/22 season progressed, Long made two appearances in the FA Cup keeping a cleansheet against Bowers & Pitsea in the first round. Following an injury to Josh Griffiths, Long made his league debut in a 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle later that season. The 21-year-old has also spent time out on loan at Gainsborough Trinity, Drogheda United, Bromley and Falkirk during his time with the Imps but will now depart for Hayes Lane permanently.

A permanent transfer to a League Two side, with a chance of becoming their number one is an opportunity that is too good for Long to turn down, and with the Imps seemingly heading in a different direction in terms of goalkeepers, the move does suit all parties, although I hope we don’t end up wondering what could’ve been and regretting this move in years to come.

Director of football Jez George said: “Sam is a very talented young man but it is just so difficult to come through as a young goalkeeper and establish yourself as a No.1. As we cannot provide Sam with this pathway, it is only fair to allow him to find that opportunity elsewhere.

“The fact that we have signed two 23-year-old goalkeepers this summer, who are both on that journey, shows the patience and time required. We retain a future interest in Sam and believe that in time he will have a really successful career. It is just that for him the next steps need to be at a club where first team football is attainable, and we don’t think that is currently at Lincoln City.

“Our club is now in a position where young players can come through our academy and even if they are not successful in establishing themselves in our first team, they can still go and have a career as a professional footballer. Our academy should still take massive pride in producing these players. We wish Sam all the best for his future and we will all continue to be invested in his development.”