Former Reading and Lincoln City defender Seán Long to leave Cheltenham Town after six-year spell

Cheltenham Town captain Seán Long will leave the club this summer, bringing an end to his six-year stay at Whaddon Road, Gloucestershire Live understands.

The 29-year-old, who has worn the armband for the last two seasons, joined the Robins from Lincoln City in the summer of 2018.

He has since made 215 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and helping the club win the League Two title before registering the two highest finishes in their 137-year history.

Dublin-born Long started 45 of Cheltenham's 46 League One games last season, scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory at Port Vale last October.

He has made more League One appearances for the club than any other player. Second on that list is experienced midfielder Liam Sercombe, who will also leave Cheltenham this summer.

Both players have turned down the offer of new contracts at Cheltenham, along with goalkeeper Luke Southwood, who will also depart.

During the course of his time with the club, the reliable and ultra-competitive Long has performed at right-back, right wing-back, right centre-back, left centre-back and even in the centre of midfield.

While Long and Sercombe are now certain to depart, the futures of left wing-back Will Ferry and forward George Lloyd remain uncertain, but both are also expected to move on this summer. Lloyd is close to agreeing a move to a League One club.

* Cheltenham Town will play Jerry Gill's Bath City away during pre-season as part of the deal to sign Jordan Thomas from the National League South side in January.

The Robins will also visit Bishop's Cleeve for a friendly, with further warm-up matches set to be confirmed in the coming days.