George Long

[Lane Ender]

I for one have no problem with him now his handling is improving with every game
Well done son

 

[Lane Ender]

I'm not talking about his shot stoping
He caught three crosses under pressure clean, sublime loved it

 

[Esablade]

Good goalie..who'da thunk it!?!?!?

 

[Bladesman]

Good to see he is getting better and more confident as a keeper.

 

[SB_90]

Im delighted with George Long progress, I always had high hopes & confidence in him thought he could be our number 1 & even though ive had to convince alot of doubters a few yrs ago but then I feel we expected too much from him after a debut at 17

 

[Lane Ender]

I had a bit of time on my hands a few years ago and I followed that good youth team of which long was a part of.
Since then he's had some dark times but he's come through it.
This kids looking the real deal to me hope we can hold on to him

 

[sitwell]

Hold up my hands he is doing much better than I thought possible ,and even after his one blooper today when he came out to far for a punch he was quick to apologise to his defenders ,but then again Collins wasn't there making him feel shit. He does stay a bit too deep for me ,edge of 6 yard box when we attack and our defence are still a bit nervous as he isn't loud enough and doesn't force them out ,but yes hes doing well.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

His decision making's very good these days. Like when he came out for the header, 2nd half. Also the (very good) punch, under pressure, right at the death. There were a few moans & groans round where I was that he didn't catch it, but it was 100% the right decision with all the traffic in front of & around him.

He's come on leaps & bounds this season. Great to see him doing so well.

 

[Roygbiv]

I pretty much wrote him off after the Gillingham horror show and the less than complimentary comments from the Motherwell fans but he's doing really well at the moment. One of the few positives this season

 

[Ricky]

If he can carry on and improve further this season that might just be enough to allow us to forget about signing a new first choice goalkeeper.

 

[mosbolad]

Well done George Long.

A model professional. You have been selected, dropped, loaned, cheered, booed and still worked your hardest to be the best keeper you can possibly be.

We need players with your passion for the club. Well George Long and UTB!

 

[Barney]

I can't speak for many of his other performances as they've come as I've not been going but today is the first time I've watched him since the nervous days of previous. I remember dreading it falling on his right foot but he looks a lot more confident and assured now. Reminds me of Joe Hart with his build, he doesn't exactly look too dissimilar either.

 

[ThatJa]

Maybe Howard will be released at the end of the season and Willis being our back up? It'd be brilliant to have both our number 1 and our back up keeper coming through our youth setup.

 

[s4-blade]

He doesn't have a contract after this season as of yet. I for one hope it gets renewed.

 

[Blade56]

Said to my son he reminds me of young Schmeichel more each game

TBH he didn't have much to do today.

 

[blader]

Never understood the criticism anyway. He wasn't performing well but he's 22! Goalkeepers aren't at their best until they're 28+ anyway. He was always equally as good (poor?) as Howard but had age in his side. I've always promoted his selection based in this along anyway.

We need to keep long for a good while, he should maintain this progress for a few years and become a truly excellent keeper. He has all the attributes to do so.

 

[Trigger Blade]

I can't remember him having a save to make all game yesterday, but he looks much more confident in collecting the ball. He did well with his headed clearance and I think his kicking has improved too, nothing sliced into touch.

 

[Liaminho9]

I think he plays better without Collins in the defence... countless times i've seen Collins make a mistake and immediately turn round and start screaming at Long for no reason. Surprised Long hasn't thumped him yet.

 

[Lane Ender]

I think he plays better without Collins in the defence... countless times i've seen Collins make a mistake and immediately turn round and start screaming at Long for no reason. Surprised Long hasn't thumped him yet.

There's plenty of time yet for that not on the field though

 

[lazyfecklessblade]

I'm not talking about his shot stoping
He caught three crosses under pressure clean, sublime loved it

His communication seems to be getting better too. I do however wish his defenders wouldn't always put their back passes on target, if only for the sake of my sphincter remaining unclenched

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I can't remember him having a save to make all game yesterday, but he looks much more confident in collecting the ball. He did well with his headed clearance and I think his kicking has improved too, nothing sliced into touch.

BBC stats say they didn't have a shot on target - and this time I think they're right.

As you say the collecting the ball, punching etc are all coming on as well. Great to see.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I do however wish his defenders wouldn't always put their back passes on target

Don't worry the Desso pitch has got it covered...

 

[Lane Ender]

From what I've heard and read young George Willis is doing well at Matlock

 

[coaxingstar71]

I've said before a few times, but George is a top, top lad. He works hard at his game and is improving all the time. Like another poster said, model professional who I doubt will ever fail a drugs test or be seen sucking lollipops and wearing a jumper as a scarf in a trendy nitespot.

 

[davidblade]

Must admit I've not been a fan of him , but recently I think he's playing a lot better. I have hopes now, carry on improving George.

 

[Bladesince59]

Probably be sold at the end of the season then.

 

[nopigfansintown]

Probably be sold at the end of the season then.

He's out of contract.

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

I've said before a few times, but George is a top, top lad. He works hard at his game and is improving all the time. Like another poster said, model professional who I doubt will ever fail a drugs test or be seen sucking lollipops and wearing a jumper as a scarf in a trendy nitespot.

Credit to the Academy as well here.

This is a very important part of their work.

Reed seems to be similarly grounded. (As is DCL, come to think of it.) Not easy with what's available to a young player these days.

 

[grafikhaus]

His communication seems to be getting better too. I do however wish his defenders wouldn't always put their back passes on target, if only for the sake of my sphincter remaining unclenched

Ditto, but he does seem to distribute better when under pressure. When he has time to think, his distribution can be dire.

Can be coached, though. He's doing fine.

 

[coaxingstar71]

Credit to the Academy as well here.

This is a very important part of their work.

Reed seems to be similarly grounded. (As is DCL, come to think of it.) Not easy with what's available to a young player these days.

I think the family have an important role to play too. I know George's family and they are really nice people. George referred to them in his interview when he reached 100 apps.