Terry Long

Terence Anthony Long (17 November 1934 – 19 September 2021) was an English professional football player and coach, who played for Crystal Palace as a defender between 1955 and 1970 making a then record number of appearances for his only League club.

Early and personal life Long was born in Tylers Green, Buckinghamshire on 17 November 1934. He attended the Royal Grammar School High Wycombe from 1946 to 1951.

Playing career Long, who played as a defender, began his playing career as an amateur with Arsenal, before signing for his local team Wycombe Wanderers at that time a non-league club competing in the Isthmian League. In May 1955, before retiring as a player in 1970. and 1964 promotion sides. However, he made only two appearances in the 1968–69 season which saw Palace reach the top flight for the first time but although he remained a player until the 1970 close season, He thus played for Crystal Palace in four different divisions of the League, but not in the top flight.

Coaching career After retirement, Long remained at Palace as a coach, and in 1972, was appointed assistant manager to Bert Head. However, when Head was replaced by Malcolm Allison in 1973, Long also left Crystal Palace.

He later had a spell as caretaker manager of Millwall, reverting to assistant manager until he was sacked during the 1982–83 season.

Later life and death He died on 19 September 2021, aged 86.