Sometimes it takes just one goal for a player to become an unknown into a fan favourite, and that certainly was the case for former West Brom striker Shane Long.
Shane Long – 87 apps , 22 goals
It’s as though he was powered by Energizer batteries. A work ethic that was second to none, defenders never given a minutes rest.
Scorer of several important goals for the club.
What are your memories? #WBA#BaggiesVault pic.twitter.com/avzCURD55m
— Baggies Vault (@TheBaggiesVault) December 23, 2019
The Republic of Ireland striker bagged a brace against rivals Aston Villa in the 2013/14 season when both sides were in the Premier League, quickly asserting Long as a firm cult hero at the Hawthorns, and supporters have been giving the now Southampton attacker the appreciation he deserves.
Will West Brom be top of the Championship going into 2020?
Yes, we have the form to win every game
No, the festive period is just too hectic
West Brom fans have been taking to social media to tell their favourite memories of Long during his time with the Baggies, with the Villa brace an obvious choice from supporters as well as a few other moments the 32-year-old attack produced during his time at the club.
Here’s what West Brom fans had to say on Twitter about their favourite memories from Long’s time at the club, with a few supporters having fond moments they remembered from the Irish international…
If he was a better finisher would have achieved a lot more in the game. You couldn’t fault him for effort. He absolutely loves playing sport and you could always tell that in his performances at the Albion.
— Doug Grant (@Darkbluebaggie) December 23, 2019
That awesome touch and goal vs villa really nice bloke of the pitch too loved his work rate in a 2 man strike partnership he’s brilliant
— SamLad WBA (@SamuelRoberts01) December 23, 2019
He always had Gary Cahill on toast, in every single game they played against each other
— Andy Warner (@warnerchief) December 23, 2019
His goal against the vile when it dropped over his shoulder the touch the finish
— jason (@bigjase83) December 23, 2019
Average footballer with a good work ethic
— Baggies Burger (@BaggiesBurger) December 23, 2019
Great player part of the good Times
— jay (@Jaywba1982) December 23, 2019
Long has found himself in a good spell of form with Southampton in recent weeks, with stats from Transfermarkt showing the former Baggies striker has become Danny Ings main striker partner in the attack.