Former Lincoln City goalkeeper Sam Long has completed a move to Salford City, signing a two-year deal with the Ammies ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The 23-year-old arrives at Moor Lane after leaving Bromley this summer, having been part of their title-winning squad last season. His move was confirmed by Salford, with the club announcing the signing of Long as they strengthen their goalkeeping department under Peter Cklamovski.
Long was released by Bromley at the end of last season, despite playing a part in a memorable campaign for the Ravens. He featured in three league matches, against Tranmere, Cambridge United and Crewe, and also made five cup appearances.
His standout moment came in August, when he saved two penalties in a League Cup shootout against Championship side Ipswich Town. After Ben Johnson had cancelled out Deji Elerewe’s opener, Long denied both George Hirst and Iraqi World Cup attacker Ali Al-Hamadi from the spot to help Bromley progress 5-4 on penalties.
Now, he will be looking to build on that experience with Salford, who have moved to add him to their squad on a deal running until 2028. Speaking after the move was announced, Long said he was eager to get started.
“I am delighted to get the deal done. Last season with Bromley was an incredible experience, it was a great thing to be a part of and hopefully I can do it again.”
Sam Long at Lincoln City
Long came through the academy at Lincoln City and signed professional terms in October 2020. He gradually worked his way into the first-team picture during the 2020/21 campaign, before making his senior debut in the EFL Trophy against Manchester United Under-21s in August 2021.
Further appearances followed in that competition against Bradford City and Sunderland, before he signed a new contract in December 2021. His league debut came the following month away at Plymouth Argyle, when an injury to Josh Griffiths opened the door for Long to start in a 2-1 win at Home Park.
In total, Long made six senior appearances for the Imps, while also spending time away from Sincil Bank to aid his development. He had a short stint with Gainsborough Trinity in the autumn of 2021, keeping a clean sheet on debut against Coalville Town, before moving to Ireland with Drogheda United in January 2022.
There, he became first choice and made 15 league appearances before returning to Lincoln in the summer. He later joined Boston United, making 27 appearances in all competitions, before being recalled during a difficult season for the Pilgrims.
The most productive loan spell of his Lincoln career came at Falkirk during the 2023/24 season. Long featured 25 times in all competitions and was part of the squad that won the Scottish League One title. He also captained the Bairns for the first time during that spell, underlining the progress he had made during his time north of the border.
Long left City permanently last summer, joining Bromley as they prepared for life in the EFL. Although he did not become their regular league goalkeeper, he still played a role in a successful season, and now has another chance to push on with Salford.
Comments Welcome!