The Resilient Marksman Forging a New Path Down Under
Christopher Michael Long is a professional forward whose career is a compelling study in resilience and adaptation. A highly-regarded product of the Everton F.C. Academy and a fixture in the England national youth setup, Long’s journey has been defined by the challenge of matching early pedigree with senior-level success. After a nomadic path through the English Football League and a rejuvenating spell in the Scottish Premiership, he forged a durable and productive career as a consistent goalscorer, most notably during fruitful periods at Motherwell and Crewe Alexandra. Now, at the age of 30, he has embarked on a significant new chapter with Brisbane Roar, arriving in Australia with the firm conviction that he is in his physical prime and ready to lead the line.
The Story So Far
Chris Long’s footballing identity was forged at the highest level. He joined Everton’s renowned academy at the age of five, embarking on a fifteen-year journey that saw him progress through every age group. His prolificacy in the youth ranks, including nine goals in seventeen games for the U18s in 2011-12, quickly cemented his reputation as a natural finisher and led to his first professional contract in 2013.
Parallel to his club development, Long was a consistent presence in the England youth setup, earning caps from the U16 to U20 level. He was part of the victorious 2010-11 Victory Shield squad and was selected for the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup, marking his debut for the side with a goal. This dual foundation of a Premier League education and international experience created a significant weight of expectation.
Despite his deep roots at Everton, his sole competitive appearance for the club came as a late substitute in a 2014 UEFA Europa League “dead rubber” match. The pathway to the first team was blocked, and Long’s transition to senior football began with a series of validating loan moves. He scored on his professional debut for MK Dons and was even more impactful at Championship side Brentford, netting four goals in eleven appearances. This spell proved he could score consistently in the competitive EFL.
A permanent move to Burnley in 2015, however, marked the most significant stall in his progression. Unable to dislodge established strikers, he made only eleven appearances in three years. Yet, the “loan paradox” that defined his career continued: while struggling at his parent club, he was highly effective when sent out, scoring regularly for Fleetwood Town and Northampton Town. This narrative became clear: Long thrived when given responsibility and regular playing time.
After departing Burnley, he had brief spells at Fleetwood and Blackpool before a move to Motherwell in 2019 rejuvenated his career. In Scotland, he scored seventeen goals in two seasons, re-establishing his credentials as a top-flight threat. This led to a 2021 move to Crewe Alexandra, which became the most stable and successful period of his career. As the focal point of the attack, he scored thirty goals in 105 appearances and was named the 2021-22 Player of the Season, finally replicating his prolific loan form in a permanent, sustained role.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Chris Long is a versatile and classic goalscorer whose primary and most effective position is as a central striker. While possessing significant experience on both wings and as a second striker, his skillset is heavily geared towards being the final piece of an attacking move.
His defining attribute is his finishing. Described as possessing a “keen eye for goal” and “composure,” Long is an elite-volume shooter and finisher for his level, confirmed by advanced metrics from his time in League Two. This is complemented by strong physical attributes. He uses his 5 ft 11 in frame effectively for hold-up play, acting as a target man to occupy defenders and bring teammates into the game.
However, he is not just a static target. He possesses a “strong turn of pace” and “speed and agility,” allowing him to be a dual threat who can play with his back to goal or use his movement to run in behind defensive lines. He is also praised for his “creativity in the box,” referring to his intelligent movement to find pockets of space for shooting opportunities.
Long’s profile also includes defined areas of specialization. His passing and crossing are weaker aspects of his game, and his career assist numbers are comparatively low. He is fundamentally an attacker oriented towards finishing moves rather than creating them. Furthermore, his offside awareness has been cited as a weakness, suggesting a high-risk, high-reward preference for playing on the shoulder of the last defender. This specialization makes him an exceptionally valuable asset in any system that requires a reliable, out-and-out goalscorer to be its focal point.
Future Outlook
Long’s 2025 transfer to Brisbane Roar was a deliberate and strategic move for both player and club. After the expiration of his Crewe contract, Long was actively seeking a new challenge abroad, a desire encouraged by positive reviews of the A-League from peers. For Brisbane Roar, signing a proven striker was a top priority after a season of struggling for goals. The club, which targets “robust” players from England’s lower leagues, had identified Long months prior as the “figurehead up front” needed to lead a revamped attack.
Long arrived in Australia with a clear, confident message: “I’m in my prime now… The A-League’s got me at the right time.” His stated ambition is direct and focused: “Score goals and win trophies.” The club’s expectations align perfectly, with coach Michael Valkanis anticipating his experience, pace, and goal-scoring record will make him a leader. He has been signed on an initial one-year deal with a performance-based option for a second, creating a pragmatic and mutually ambitious arrangement for his new chapter Down Under.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
Team
- Victory Shield: 2010–11 (with England U16)
Individual
- Crewe Alexandra Player of the Season: 2021–22
- Crewe Alexandra Joint Top Scorer: 2021–22
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Season | Club | Country | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2013–14 | Everton | England | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013–14 | → MK Dons (loan) | England | League One | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014–15 | Everton | England | Europa League | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014–15 | → Brentford (loan) | England | Championship | 11 | 4 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | Burnley | England | Championship | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | Burnley | England | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016–17 | → Fleetwood (loan) | England | League One | 18 | 4 | 2 |
| 2016–17 | → Fleetwood (loan) | England | FA Cup | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016–17 | → Bolton (loan) | England | League One | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | → Northampton (loan) | England | League One | 38 | 9 | 2 |
| 2017–18 | → Northampton (loan) | England | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | → Northampton (loan) | England | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | → Northampton (loan) | England | EFL Trophy | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018–19 | Fleetwood Town | England | League One | 8 | 0 | 1 |
| 2018–19 | Fleetwood Town | England | EFL Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018–19 | Fleetwood Town | England | EFL Trophy | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018–19 | Blackpool | England | League One | 17 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | Motherwell | Scotland | Scottish Premiership | 25 | 7 | 1 |
| 2019–20 | Motherwell | Scotland | Scottish Cup | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| 2019–20 | Motherwell | Scotland | League Cup | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| 2020–21 | Motherwell | Scotland | Scottish Premiership | 29 | 4 | 2 |
| 2020–21 | Motherwell | Scotland | Scottish Cup | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | Motherwell | Scotland | Europa League Qual. | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021–22 | Crewe Alexandra | England | League One | 32 | 10 | 1 |
| 2021–22 | Crewe Alexandra | England | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Crewe Alexandra | England | EFL Trophy | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Crewe Alexandra | England | League Two | 10 | 3 | 2 |
| 2023–24 | Crewe Alexandra | England | League Two | 27 | 9 | 2 |
| 2023–24 | Crewe Alexandra | England | EFL Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Crewe Alexandra | England | EFL Trophy | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024–25 | Crewe Alexandra | England | League Two | 25 | 6 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Crewe Alexandra | England | FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Crewe Alexandra | England | EFL Trophy | 2 | 2 | 0 |