Probably only marginal relevance this but Long had a brief spell as Featherstone's Football manager when we were "between coaches" in 2013 and created a very good impression. The players all spoke very highly of him and you could see an immediate difference in things like the angles players were running to commit the defender during passing movements. Of course this was all at Championship level which is a very different kettle of fish.
In Leon Pryce's book, he talks about how Long was basically the attack coach when Daniel Anderson was Saints coach. He reckons he's a genius. Then again, that's like being called tall by Ronnie Corbett.
I suspect Long will have a shelf life TBH. Will be good having him around as a fresh voice and new ideas for a year or two and then the novelty will probably wear off.
I do think our shape has been off at times this year so if he can work on our lines and positioning it can’t hurt. Too often we resort to “giving it to the big lad” while everyone else stands about.
In Leon Pryce's book, he talks about how Long was basically the attack coach when Daniel Anderson was Saints coach. He reckons he's a genius. Then again, that's like being called tall by Ronnie Corbett.
JP speaks very very highly of Long. Says he has best rugby brain he’s seen for 30 years
Very interesting start to pre-season. If you were looking at the club without any prior knowledge you might think Long has the Head Coach. He's been given quite a few media opportunities (more than Agar from what I've seen), and almost every player interview I've read or seen has commented on his big influence during pre-season....
Early days, but looks like this could be a very good appointment!
Very interesting start to pre-season. If you were looking at the club without any prior knowledge you might think Long has the Head Coach. He's been given quite a few media opportunities (more than Agar from what I've seen), and almost every player interview I've read or seen has commented on his big influence during pre-season....
Early days, but looks like this could be a very good appointment!
Not sure what else you would expect the players to say .
He has certainly brought some enthusiasm to the team by mixing up drills. Also pleased on the skills focus - a Leeds team should be able to use the ball across the park.
Must be a good opportunity working with such a young team trying to take a big club back to the top.