The Longside Reference

Name: Kevin Long  

D.O.B: 18th August 1990

Previous Clubs: Cork City, Accrington Stanley (Loan), Rochdale (Loan), Portsmouth (Loan)

Burnley Fee: Undisclosed (said to be a six figure sum)

Signed by Owen Coyle

Burnley Debut: 2nd October 2012, Sheffield Wednesday (H) D 3-3 (Substitute)

Last Game for Burnley:

Claret Stats:

International Honours: Republic of Ireland U21 International.

Burnley Squad Number: 28

Owen Coyle was quickest off the mark with the signing of Kevin Long, with over a month before the transfer window opens, he and Burnley paid Cork City a six figure sum for the Republic of Irish defender.

 At only 19 years of age and a Republic of Ireland U21 International, Kevin looks to join the Burnley first team squad on January 1st 2010.

 A quick aggressive left sided centre back, who was attracting the attentions of Leeds United, Charlton Athletic and Celtic amongst overs.

Coyle remarked: “We are delighted to have signed Kevin and beaten off stiff competition from north and south of the border for his services.

“He has got everything you want in that type of player and I would like to thank Cork’s chairman Tom Coughlan for his courtesy and professionalism during negotiations"

In October 2010 Kevin was loaned out to neighbours Accrington Stanley, where his English football career didn't quite take off, sent off on his debut then conceded a penalty in his second game while on loan at Accy.

Kevin Long moved back to the Crown Ground in August 2011, where he will spend six more months at Burnley's near neighbours, he was joined by Burnley young frontman Wes Fletcher both are due back with the Clarets in January 2012.

Kevin returned in January, to be assessed by Eddie Howe who must have been impressed with the defenders performances while at Accy, he returned to Burnley after impressing with Stanley, Burnley then allowed Kevin to move to Rochdale again on loan (with ex Stanley manager Coleman in charge of the Dale).

Rochdale and Long fought against relegation throughout the season, a fight they ultimately lost, although it was a tough time at Rochdale Kevin became an instant hit, with the Dale fans taking warmly to the strapping centre half.

After playing another full pre-season with Burnley, Kevin went out on loan again this time for an initial month to League One crisis club Portsmouth, where he made his debut on 18th August against Bournemouth, where Pompey's hastily put together tame went down by 3-0.