On the 12th Day of Christmas Blues gave to me a Burnley and Republic of Ireland defender Kevin Long! Yesterday the news came though with Blues announcing it in yet another classic Social Media post.
It’s a signing that has already divided opinion amongst some Blues fans, especially the contingent that love to moan about something, as Long perhaps isn’t the most notable player out there. The issue is we know Blues are short at the back, we know recruitment is needed but we also know that money is tight and there is a desire to reduce down the wage bill at the club. This all adds up to needing to search for bargains but having seen recruitment in the summer I am going to trust in the process.
Kevin Long is 32 in contrast to the former age cap outlined by Craig Gardner it’s potentially a sign that the age factor is far harder to keep within. I understand the idea of getting youth players in cheaply and building them up, it’s an investment, but there was always a caveat that where a player is bringing what the squad needs age won’t be a problem. Looking through the comment section on the announcement though it seems perhaps Burnley fans feel Long is a solid signing.
I can of course see the concern, Long has been at Burnley since 2010 and during that time he has made 69 appearances for his parent club, been loaned out 6 times and made a further 73 appearances for these various clubs bringing his total match appearances to 142 in over 12 years. Game time isn’t great there but if the intention is to bring in as cover I can see him being a decent player to have on the books, especially as the deal is only until the end of the season.
It’s certainly a cover signing and a much needed one since Blues have picked up a few injuries at the back lately, slipping from one of the best defensive records in the league to one of the worst, I’m sure if he impresses too we’ll see his contract extended. What is good to see is Blues getting their business in early!
lockthelocks 