Sean Long: Braintree Town, Lincoln City & Danny Cowley

Sean Long (26), is a Dublin born versatile right back who currently plays at Cheltenham Town in League One. He’s made 27 appearances for the Robins so far this season, this has currently been halted by a groin injury he suffered in Saturday’s 1-0 loss against south Yorkshire side, Rotherham United.

In a press conference today, Sean Long answered a few questions about his career path, from Playing U21 football at Reading to being a starter and wearing the captains arm band at Cheltenham Town.

Talking about his time at Braintree town, which he never heard of before he joined, he said how going out on loan saved him from continuously playing U21 football at Reading.

“I’m not going to be disrespectful, but I’d never heard of Braintree before as I’m from Ireland. Also, I was sick of playing U21 football.” (A reason why he went on loan to Braintree Town.)

“I said Jay get me down there (to Braintree), I had success there with them & made an impression on the Cowley’s.”

The impression he made with Nicky & Danny Cowley was good enough for him to get snatched up on another loan spell to Lincoln City in 2018, the year prior to Lincoln’s promotion and famous FA Cup run.

“They brought me to Lincoln then (The Cowley’s), which again... we done quite well. I’ve always been complimentary in how they work.”

Sean also praised how the Cowley’s went from rags towards riches at both Braintree and Lincoln and turned both clubs in a positive direction with high standards.

“They didn’t have the resources at Braintree and Lincoln at the start, but they still ran it like Champions League standards.”

The Irish U23 defender then went on to praise the journey that both Danny & Nicky have been on in their managerial career so far.

“You can see everywhere they’ve went they’ve done well. Obviously at Portsmouth it’s probably taken them a bit longer then they wanted, to start having success. They’ve been great on me and have had a great impact on my career so far.”