Stacy Long signed for Stevenage Borough today on a two year contract. The Comet had previously announced the deal as a one year contract, but the official site confirmed that the ex Charlton trainee has in fact signed a 2 year deal and becomes Graham Westley’s 5th signing of the summer. It’s a good move for both I think. Boro have brought in a very talented midfielder who once played in the same England Youth team as Wayne Rooney. Long has impressed whilst with Ebbsfleet, making 122 appearances and scoring 22 goals from midfield in the Blue Square Premier. 15 of them goals were in the 2007/2008 campaign, where he gained recognition with a place in Paul Fairclough’s England C squad.

The signing of Long certainly increases competition for places in the Boro squad. Darren Murphy, Michael Bostwick, Peter Vincenti, David Bridges and Joel Byrom can all play in the midfield and Long isn’t going to want to just sit on the bench at Broadhall Way. Apparently Long rejected deals from AFC Wimbledon and Crawley to join Westley’s side. I’m pretty sure he would of been one of the first names on the teamsheet for them two teams, so he must be looking for a regular spot here. Money, of course would of been taken into account and with the FA Trophy run and play-off finish, then I’m sure our budget has been a little higher than it would of been and that may have helped lure the talented playmaker to Hertfordshire.

For those that don’t know that much about Stacy Long here is a quote from Liam Daish when he brought in the then 21 year old from Notts County.

“This is a significant signing for us. Stacy has impressed me in training and the last 3 games he’s played for us. He is a creative midfielder, but also gets back when he needs to. He will give us a better balance in the middle of the park.” Daish on Long signing in 2006

The article on the official website also states that all juniors have been released from the club. I don’t know whether that means that every player under both the Youth and EFCO scheme are no longer with the club or just the SBFC Youth side has been released, but it’s certainly an interesting bit of news considering Phil Wallace and the club have spent quite a bit of time revamping the whole youth system at Broadhall Way. If there’s anyone who can shed a bit more light on this situation then it would be very much appreciated?