ADAM Long believes a switch to Coleraine ticks all the boxes after becoming the latest arrival at The Showgrounds…
The defender has agreed terms on a multi-year deal after his contract came to an end at AFC Fylde.
The 24-year-old, who also has previous first-team experience at Wigan Athletic and Doncaster Rovers, revealed he was sold on a move as soon as he spoke to Ruaidhri Higgins.
He said: “I think it’s a great move for me.
“I spoke to the manager a few weeks ago, and since then, I’ve really wanted to sign.
“I’ve had a look around the local area, the ground and I just think it’s the perfect place for me to be.
“I played local football in the Isle of Man until the age of 16, before being scouted to do my scholarship over at Wigan Athletic.
“I was fortunate to be at that football club for five years of my life before moving onto Doncaster Rovers, and then Fylde.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be given opportunities at clubs where it might not have happened at other places.
“To be able to pick up plenty of game time at a really young age has been really beneficial for me.”
Despite standing over 6ft tall, Long – who is from the Isle of Man – admits he also likes to be a ball playing centre-back.
“I’d like to think I’m a blend of a no-nonsense centre-back who also likes to play,” he explained.
“Obviously, whatever style of football you play, you need to adapt to it.
“I’ve had different managers in the past who all play in a different way, so I’m more confident that I can adapt to the style the manager wants here.
“Everyone seems to be right-footed these days, so to be able to offer something that other players might not be able to do is a big asset.”
Long will meet his new team-mates for the first time when pre-season gets under way on June 23.
“I’m looking forward to getting in and meeting all the new lads,” he added.
“It’s a new place for me to live and I just can’t wait to get my feet under the ground.
“I feel there could be exciting times at Coleraine and I’m delighted to be a part of it.”