Long declares "unfinished business" in pursuit of promotion
George Long believes Southampton will be fuelled by the motivation of “unfinished business” when they resume their quest to win promotion back to the Premier League.
The goalkeeper, who has signed a two-year deal at St Mary’s following the expiry of his initial loan agreement from Norwich, is confident Saints have what it takes to achieve their goal in 2026/27.
Ending the last campaign 21 Sky Bet Championship matches unbeaten means Saints already know they are on the right path, and now Long is determined to see his teammates finish the job.
“I think that’s exactly what it is – unfinished business,” he said. “Everyone knows what happened – it was devastating for everyone at the club.
“The lads were as low as you could possibly be, just gutted, but it’s done now. We’ve got to look forward, and I think the best response we can do is go and get promoted next season.
“We’ve got the quality, we’ve got the togetherness in the dressing room. We’ve got the gaffer who turned our season around, so if we just continue what we were doing last year, I think we’ll be right up there knocking on the door.
“It’s not the unknown for us. We know exactly how we play, we know exactly how to win games in the Championship – literally continue what we were doing last season. That gives everyone a lot of confidence, you’re not starting from scratch. It’s clear, we know we’ve got the quality – it’s just about doing it now.”
A valued member of Saints’ goalkeeping unit, 32-year-old Long sees his role just as important off the field as on it, and takes his responsibility as a positive influence in the dressing room very seriously.
“I’ve got a lot of games under my belt, so there are probably not too many scenarios I’ve not seen in English football – whether that’s being in a promotion chase, a relegation scrap or somewhere in between,” he added.
“I feel like all the lads would probably be able to come to me for advice, or ask my opinion on anything. I like to be able to help anyone in the squad who might need a helping hand or a bit of encouragement or a pat on the back, so it’s a role I really enjoy. It’s been unbelievable, to be honest, definitely one of the best dressing rooms I’ve been in.”
