SAM Long has his sights set on taking the next step and becoming an Oxford United regular after signing a new contract.

The 20-year-old from Bicester was one of two Oxfordshire players to extend their stay at the club, with Chipping Norton’s Sam Humphreys also finalising his deal.

Their previous arrangements included an extension clause for next season, but United instead gave Long a new two-year contract, while Humphreys agreed a one-year deal with an additional 12-month option held by the club.

Long made ten appearances last season, including a run of four starts during the run-in.

The strong finish means the defender, who has played most of his senior football at right back, feels ready to play a larger role next season.

He said: “It was the best time in my career – being able to play four games on the trot at the end of the season in a side doing very well.

“That was a good reward and hopefully I can kick on.

“I have been given a taste of it now and I just want to keep playing.

“I want to play week-in, week-out and try to get promotion.

“You need to take it one step at a time because if you look too far ahead you get complacent.

“This deal is there now, but I’m looking to the next one and pushing on.”

Humphreys, 19, is not as far along in his development, but made his first-team debut as a late substitute in United’s 1-0 win at Newport County on the final day of the season last month.

Witney Gazette:

  • Sam Humphreys during his senior debut for Oxford United at Newport County last month 

The winger has spent the close season working to improve his physical strength in a bid to stake a claim during pre-season.

He said: “As a youngster at Oxford it’s your dream to make your professional debut.

“I’ve done it, but I’ve not sat back – I’ve been working towards preseason, so hopefully I can hit the ground running and show them what I can do.

“I don’t want to end my Oxford career with one appearance, I want to make ten, 20, 30 and just go on.”