Featherstone boss Sean Long reveals the three coaches who have inspired him

Sean Long is one of the great standout players from the initial era of Super League playing from the competition’s inception through till 2011.

For much of that time he was at St Helens and he was under the tutelage of some brilliant head coaches, something he has now finally become himself after 12 seasons retired.

During that dozen seasons though he’s been working at various clubs and international teams garnering as much information possible, serving in roles as an assistant or specific positions or elements of the game.

Most recently he was the French national team’s assistant and defensive coach but when Featherstone came calling he decided it was time to take the top job.

Asked what prompted the decision to finally step into the hotseat he told the Sportsman Rugby League Youtube channel that it was about timing.

“I think I’ve been ready for a while,” he revealed. “It’s just taking that next step and challenging myself. I didn’t want to get comfortable.

“When Featherstone rang me up I jumped at the opportunity to be head coach and I’m loving. They’ve been great to me, the fans have been great and the owner too. The lads are really buying into what we’re trying to achieve.”

Long further explained which coaches had taught him what with the list of coaches he’s worked under highlighting some of the very best the game’s ever seen.

“I’ve learned a lot off my ex coaches, Daniel Anderson it was how he managed the team at St Helens as a really good quality side, I’ve took some inspiration from him.

“Obviously working with Richard Agar and Justin Holbrook and coaches like that, you pick pieces off each coach but ultimately I’m my own coach. I’m not trying to mimic anyone.

“I like to work hard, the players like to work hard, we like to have a laugh so that’s us. We pride ourselves on hard work and the community and if fans see that we work hard for each other, win, lose or draw then I’m sure they’ll get behind us.”