Some Southampton fans have been raving at the latest club update involving Shane Long that emerged on social media.
The Southampton Twitter account recently posted this update about Long, confirming that the striker has now signed a new two-year deal at the club. The tweet carried a graphic to mark the announcement, with ‘2022’ appearing at the top.
When this update was released on Twitter, it attracted many Southampton fans. They made their delight about the news very clear and they expressed it very openly.
Looks like a new player under Ralph, well deserved! #saintsfc
— Jake Wade (@J_Wade21) June 4, 2020
Does Shane Long deserve a new contract?
He deserves it!
No, he should leave
Love to see it! Shane has been a vital part of our team this season and a great asset to have in the squad.
— Myles Bowman (@myles_cb) June 4, 2020
Never seen a player with more commitment!! #saintsfc
— Matt Ashley (@MattAshley1) June 4, 2020
Long has been at Southampton since the summer of 2014, when he had arrived from Hull City for a £13.41 million fee. Previously, he has plied his trade with the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Reading (via Transfermarkt).
The announcement attracted many more Saints fans who rushed to the tweet to express their joy at this announcement.
Make it 10 years
— Tom Davidson (@t_davidson) June 4, 2020
Shane Redemption ???
Great to see it pic.twitter.com/CGJ4XEDC1x— Mahmoud (@Mahmoud_SFC) June 4, 2020
Fully deserved
— Saintsmith80 (@saintsmith80) June 4, 2020
Honestly In my naieveity I used to give this man a lot of stick… cannot fault his work rate & dedication. Up the saints ???
— James (@Whatley1894) June 4, 2020
Awesome news! I’ve been a fan of Shane’s even through his tough times. We always need that machine in the team
— WeMarchOn ™ (@kelvinlegod) June 4, 2020
The 2019/20 season has seen Long make 24 appearances in all competitions for the Saints, scoring three times. In the Premier League, Long has played a direct part in five goals in 19 appearances – two of them being goals (via Transfermarkt).
That is a respectable goal contribution record for the 33-year-old. As per WhoScored, with an average match rating of 6.76/10, only five Saints players can boast a higher league rating, showing that he is certainly a valuable player of the team – and Southampton fans appear to have confirmed this, judging by their reactions to this news.