Excellent news! So glad Ralph obviously sees what Shane brings to the team, despite the lack of goals.
I've decided I'm pleased with it on the grounds that, at 33 years old, he will be taking a contract on reduced terms because he wants to be here. Popular behind the scenes and quite a key senior player and obviously someone Ralph trusts and sees the value in. If he's a bench option and remains a squad player rather than a starter and he helps us off the pitch, I'm happy with this.
Shane Long said: "I love the way the club is run, I love what the club stands for and I’m excited about what the club will do over the next couple of years. "I can see the club pushing up the league, back to where we all want to be, and I want to be part of that. I’m just delighted to get it done."
Ralph Hasenhüttl said: "Shane is an outstanding professional. He has been an important player for me and I know also for the managers before me. "He has scored some big goals for us and helped to create many more for his teammates too. I think that is one of his top qualities. He is a great team player, and someone who has a positive impact on the group as a whole when he plays. "He is also a player who sets the right example for our youngsters to follow in how he conducts himself on and off the pitch, so this is good news for us that we will have him as part of the squad for another two years."
Very pleased with Shane Long signing a new contract. He is a stand out professional with a very big heart for the club. Yes there are undoubtedly better players out there but for me, he displays all the qualities in loyalty, work ethics, sheer guts and determination and an unselfish attitude that I admire in a player.
Absolutely and Ralph's comments are spot on too. Shane wears the shirt for me, never sulks and creates spaces for others. Great news!
Very happy, a more hard working player you'll struggle to find. He gets stick for lack of goals but his work rate and commitment can never be questioned. Now where's our next signing...
Good news. He's a top pro and he's formed an excellent partnership with Ings - Shane knackers the defenders out and Danny gets the goals.
That's an important and often forgotten point imo. He's brought the best out of Ings this season and although I haven't checked the stats I'd wager the majority of his goals have come with Shane alongside him.
And Shane himself has 3 goals and 3 assists this season, putting him 4th in our top strikers list behind Danny, Nathan, and JWP.
