Kevin Long says he will look back on his time at Oakwell with a lot of fondness and believes Barnsley can have a successful season if they stick to what's helped them turn their form around.
The Irish centre-back's spell at Barnsley came to an end following the weekend defeat to Gillingham, although the loan officially finishes today. Long helped Barnsley to 24 points in his 11 league games and played in both legs against Fleetwood Town in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area final. He scored in the shootout at Highbury and will be cheering the Reds on in their Wembley final on April 3.
The 25-year-old came to Oakwell to get fit following a bad knee injury which had kept him out for a year, but says he leaves the club with good memories. He told the Chronicle: "When I came in the club wasn't doing so well but we have gone on a good run and got away from the relegation zone. I don't think I've had a run of wins like that before so that is definitely a proud achievement."
Long, who is contracted to Championship Burnley until the end of next season, is now hoping to establish himself at Turf Moor but hopes Barnsley can keep up their good form. He is advising the Reds to stick to what has made them successful in the early part of 2016.
"I'll see what happens back at Burnley. They are doing well and keeping clean sheets so it's going to be hard to force my way in. I was enjoying myself at Barnsley but I'm contracted to Burnley and they wanted me back. There's a lot of talk about the play-offs at Barnsley now but I think they should always just concentrate on the next game because that is what they were doing when they were doing well. I'm sure, if they do that, then they will start winning games again."
Caretaker boss Paul Heckingbottom said Long has had a big impact in his time with the club. He added: "He's been terrific. He settled in well and I think he's grown into the role with every game. He has been strong and formed a good partnership with Alfie (Mawson). Now it's an opportunity for someone else.
"As much as we are going to miss Longy, it's a great opportunity for someone to step up and get their place in the team. We have got three good centre backs at the club with Alfie, Robbo (Marc Roberts) and Lewin (Nyatanga). "Two out of those three are more than enough to do really well in this league."
