Birmingham City signing rejected ‘several clubs’ to take on John Eustace challenge

Birmingham City signing Kevin Long has admitted he decided to reject multiple offers elsewhere in favour of taking on an important target for the 2023/24 season.

Long, who has agreed a new one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months, was initially a short-term addition to compete at centre-half throughout the second half of last term.

The Irishman became a key player in John Eustace’s defensive setup as Blues went on to reach 53 points – their best total since the 2016/17 campaign under Gary Rowett, Gianfranco Zola and Harry Redknapp.

Long, just like the rest of the surviving Birmingham squad, has returned to the Wasps Elite Performance and Innovation Centre for pre-season training.

Looking to build on the 20 appearances, six clean sheets and two goals he managed last term, the former Burnley man is excited for what’s to come.

“I am delighted to be signing back,” Long told Blues TV upon his return to the club.

“Obviously, coming here in January, I had gone some time without playing football so in the beginning it was tough. But the lads made me feel welcome and the Head Coach was great along with his staff.

“Coming into the summer, I was out of contract, there were other offers on the table but I just think that I enjoyed my time here, I enjoyed working under the Gaffer and enjoyed working with the players.

“After weighing it up, I thought I would be happy going back and making more progress.

“I can’t wait to get going. For the team this year, I want us to finish higher up the table. I am a firm believer that if we work hard and get a group of players together that we can achieve whatever goals you put out.”

Long rejoins Birmingham alongside new fellow signings Tyler Roberts and Koji Miyoshi, as a new era dawns under the ownership of Thomas Wagner and Shelby Companies Limited.

The EFL has already approved the takeover. Now it’s just awaiting the completion of checks from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for the much-anticipated rubber stamp.