Sam Long

Sam Long is the longest-serving player at Oxford United. He came through the academy, made his senior debut in April 2013 and has since passed 250 first-team appearances. He has signed several contract extensions, the latest running through 2026.

The loyalty has been tested only briefly. In November and December 2014 he went to Kidderminster Harriers on loan, in a deal that involved a player swap with Chey Dunkley. In 2018 he spent January to March at Hampton & Richmond Borough, also on loan. Both spells were short, and he returned to Oxford each time.

The early years brought disappointment in cup football. Oxford reached the EFL Trophy final in 2015–16 and again in 2016–17, and Long was part of a squad that finished as runner-up on both occasions.

The 2020–21 season was his own. Oxford's supporters voted him Supporters' Player of the Season, and his team-mates chose him as Players' Player of the Season.

The high point of his time at the club came in 2024, when Oxford won the League One play-offs and earned promotion to the Championship. Long was in the squad that achieved it.

He has scored 15 goals for Oxford. He has not been capped by England at senior level.