The 28-year-old Merseysider bagged seven league goals in 15 games before a thigh injury at the end of last month sent him to the physio’s room. In his absence, Crewe have maintained their League Two promotion challenge – the Railwaymen were fifth heading into yesterday’s home game against Doncaster – and knocked Derby out of the FA Cup.
“It’s totally frustrating especially when the team is doing well,” the former Everton and Burnley forward told The FLP. “It would be much better if I was on the pitch with the lads, but at least it’s a pleasure to watch them.”
Long hopes to be back in action by mid-December, so his patience won’t be tested for much longer. In any case, he’s already well versed in the ups and downs of professional football.
In his formative Everton days, he had loans with MK Dons and Brentford. At Burnley, he had temporary spells at Fleetwood, Bolton and Northampton. There were permanent stints at Fleetwood and Blackpool before he crossed the border to join Motherwell.
He’s packed plenty into his career and it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the former England U20 international.
“I was at Everton for 15 years and my loan spells were really good,” he said. “I thought I would take my chances at Burnley, but it was a totally different philosophy, different to what I was used to.
“When I got released by Burnley (in 2018), I couldn’t come to terms with it. I was 23 and a bit cocky. I went to Fleetwood and fell out with Joey (Barton, manager) and then had a spell at Blackpool.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
I'd still want to keep Pat on side
Patrick Bamford has always been a player who divides opinion amongst Leeds supporters.
WHITES & THE BLADES SPEED ON
LEEDS and Sheffield United maintained their pace at the top of the table with comfortable home victories - but Sunderland slipped off the summit.
BAILEY: WE'LL GIVE POPPIES THE RESPECT THEY DESERVE
OWEN Bailey knows exactly how pumped up seventh-tier Kettering Town will be when Doncaster Rovers roll into ramshackle Latimer Park today.
TOWN EARN THEIR CORN!
HARROGATE mon Weaver breathed a sigh of relief after his side edged past Gainsborough Trinity at a rain-sodden Exercise Stadium.
OH MY JOSH - O'S KEEPER IS THE HERO!
RICHIE Wellens praised keeper Josh Keeley as Leyton Orient reached the third round following a dramatic win over National League Oldham.
'IT HASN'T BEEN MY WHOLE FOCUS AND THAT HELPED ME
SHAUN Barker never attempted to conceal the fact that he had no burning desire to play football.
MATT'S BOYS SHOW CLASS
WYCOMBE side-stepped a tricky second round fixture by defeating Wealdstone at Grosvenor Vale.
LUKE SEETHES OVER SLOPPY SWANS START
LUKE Williams admitted he gave his players the hairdryer treatment at half-time after seeing them come into the break trailing against bottom of the table Portsmouth.
UPSET FOR HARRIS AS TYLER HITS STUNNER
Neil Harris insisted the fact that Millwall were bitterly disappointed to claim only a point shows the progress his side have made over the past 10 months.
ANTE AT THE DOUBLE FOR ON-SONG CITY
NORWICH head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup paid tribute to the home fans after watching his side come through a tough test against Luton to win comfortably in the end.
