Chris Long arrival image

Chris Long on arrival at Brisbane Airport. Photo supplied by Brisbane Roar.

When English striker Chris Long jetted off to Majorca on holiday in early June, he wasn’t to know he would be heading to the other side of the world just two months later.

The 30-year-old Liverpudlian would find himself on a plane to Australia in early August, having signed for Brisbane Roar as part of their off-season rebuild and primed to lead the line for the Queenslanders in the upcoming A-League Men season.

So how did his transfer to the Roar come about, and what are Long’s plans for his stay in the River City?

Round Ball Australia caught up with Brisbane’s new recruit at his first training session this week to find out.

Choosing Brisbane

After his contract expired at the end of a long League Two season with English side Crewe Alexandria in May, Long was assessing his options and was open to a new challenge overseas.

“I’ve wanted to go abroad for a while and this seemed like a great opportunity,” he said.

However, Long admits he hadn’t really considered Australia until his fellow Englishman and now agent David Ball suggested it to him on his return from holiday.

“My agent recommended the A-League as he had played over here for Wellington Phoenix. After last season at Crewe I went on holiday to Majorca and had a Zoom call with the gaffer in June when I got back,” he explained.

That ‘gaffer’ was Michael Valkanis, who had recently been installed as new Roar men’s head coach and was looking for striking options after the departure of last season’s loan striker Asumah Abubakar earlier in the off-season.

“Once I had the conversation with the boss I was keen. He wants to succeed here, there’s a positive vibe and I wanted to be part of it,” Long continued, clearly impressed with the vision Valkanis and the Roar hierarchy outlined to him.

The terms on his new two-year contract were agreed within a couple of weeks and Long was announced as a Roar player in late July, arriving in Brisbane last Sunday night.

While still getting over his jet lag, the Scouse striker was in training for the first time on Wednesday and was immediately impressed with his new teammates.

“They look sharp,” he added, while being at pains to explain how everyone at the club has been very welcoming.

Long is hoping to make his debut for the club as early as this Saturday in the away pre-season game at Newcastle, although he acknowledged he may need to get up to speed (and over his jet lag) first after his round the world trip.

All that while sorting out a long-term place to stay in his new home, while living out of a city hotel in the meantime.

It’s been a hectic few weeks for the experienced front man, but his track record of goals in the English lower leagues suggest he will thrive in his new surroundings.

Figurehead up front

While things have moved quickly from the player’s point of view – Crewe to Brisbane via Majorca in just 7 weeks – the club has been planning the acquisition of Long for a little while longer.

Roar COO Zac Anderson indicated that the player had been on their radar for several months, as they actively targeted out of contract players in England’s third and fourth tiers.

“We have seen that players from Leagues One and Two in England translate well to the A-League. They are robust and play lots of games in a physical league,” he explained.

With a striker being a top priority after last season’s meagre return of just 32 goals in 26 league fixtures, Long seemed a good fit, and not just for his goal-scoring ability.

“We felt we needed a figurehead up front who could integrate quickly and add leadership to the group,” added Anderson, highlighting Long’s experience and his ability to complement the other new strikers – Michael Ruhs and Justin Vidić – in a revamped Roar front-line.

“When we looked at the data on Chris he ticked a lot of boxes, and once we spoke with him we were convinced his personality and leadership would add to the dressing room dynamics,” he concluded.

Long’s personality, which despite the jet lag still shone through in typically Scouse fashion, is a theme that Anderson was keen to emphasise.

It appears the club have actively targeted players with a winning mentality this off-season, as they attempt to change the culture of previous seasons which have all too often ended in disappointment.

Long summed this up perfectly when asked what he was hoping to achieve in Brisbane this season.

“Score goals and win trophies,” he replied with a smile.

You may be able to take the boy out of Liverpool, but Brisbane will be hoping his ability and confidence will remain true to his roots.

Roar fans will be expecting a lot from their new striker this season – starting with Saturday’s trip to Newcastle – but all the signs are that this experienced pro will be up to the challenge.

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