TRANSFER NEWS: Goalkeeper Brett Long moves to Dundee United

Newtownabbey's Brett Long this week put pen to paper on a two-year deal Scottish side Dundee United.
Brett Long in action for Northern Ireland.Brett Long in action for Northern Ireland.
Brett Long in action for Northern Ireland.

Long, a goalkeeper and a Northern Ireland Under-19 international, joins the Championship outfit following a spell at Motherwell.

He spent three years with the Steelmen, winning the Youth Cup title last season and has reached the elite stage of the Euro Championships as part of the NI U19 squad.

After his move to Tannadice was confirmed, Long tweeted: “I would like to thank @MotherwellFC for the past three years at the club, and wish them all the best for the season! I will never forget Hampden.

Newtownabbeys Brett Long with agent Lee Mudd at Tannadice, home of Dundee United. INLT 26-915-CONNewtownabbeys Brett Long with agent Lee Mudd at Tannadice, home of Dundee United. INLT 26-915-CON
Newtownabbeys Brett Long with agent Lee Mudd at Tannadice, home of Dundee United. INLT 26-915-CON

“Delighted to have signed for @dundeeunitedfc buzzin’ for the season to start!”

Long’s agent, Lee Mudd from Achieve, told the Times: “It’s a great move for Brett as he’s likley to be going in as a number two, which for a 19-year-old is fantastic.

“He’s got all the attributes to go on and become a top goalkeeper and a future full international.

“At 6’2, he’s agile and athletic with a steely determination and maturity for someone so young.

Newtownabbeys Brett Long with agent Lee Mudd at Tannadice, home of Dundee United. INLT 26-915-CONNewtownabbeys Brett Long with agent Lee Mudd at Tannadice, home of Dundee United. INLT 26-915-CON
Newtownabbeys Brett Long with agent Lee Mudd at Tannadice, home of Dundee United. INLT 26-915-CON

Dundee United is a big club with big ambition to get promotion back to the top flight.

“From a personal point of view, it’s fantastic to help a player who was released and potentially could’ve ended up in back in Northern Ireland.

“It proves again the need for our players to have that support. Tre Sterling, Jordan Stewart, Josh Robinson and now Brett have all moved within the last year, so it’s a great feeling to help these players climb the ladder and see them get the opportunities they may otherwise not have got.”

The former Fir Park stopper became the second local player in a week to secure a move to a club across the water after ex-Crues defender Robinson penned a deal with York City where he will work with ex-Dundee United manager, Jackie McNamara. City play in the Vanarama National League.