Millwall new boy reveals first match he will look for when 2021-22 fixtures schedule is announced

George Long has revealed the first fixture he will look out for when next season’s schedule is announced – Sheffield United away.

The goalkeeper recently signed a two-year contract with Millwall to become their first close-season capture of the summer.

Sheffield-born Long is looking to budge Bart Bialkowski from the starting line up at The Den.

The Blades have been relegated from the Premier League, but recently appointed former Fulham and Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic.

Asked if the Sheffield United fixtures would be the first he looked for, Long replied: “One hundred per cent – especially at Bramall Lane. It will be interesting staying overnight in my hometown, it’s not something I’ve done before.

“The previous season was unbelievable, they were pushing for Europe. But that’s football sometimes, teams have a good season and then a not so good one.”

Long played 49 matches on loan for AFC Wimbledon in the 2017-18 campaign and reckons goalkeeping coach Ashley Bayes did wonders for his game.

“The move there was brilliant,” he said. “I loved everything about it – the club, set-up and playing under Neal Ardley. Bayzo was unbelievable for me, his enthusiasm and expertise daily were just what I needed at the time.

“To play 49 games was a great season in my development, on the back of that I ended up moving to Hull City. I can’t speak highly enough of the club and all the people involved there.”