Alan Long, Lincoln City FC’s long-standing PA announcer, is preparing to celebrate a remarkable achievement: his 1,000th game at the LNER Stadium.
Since taking on the role on August 12, 1997, Long has been an enduring presence at the club, providing the soundtrack to countless highs and lows for Imps fans.
A Role Born from Serendipity
Long’s journey to becoming the voice of Lincoln City began unexpectedly. Originally posted to RAF Digby in 1979, the Devonshire native attended a match at Sincil Bank after moving to the area. “I went to watch Exeter City with my dad, so I thought I’d catch a game,” he recalled. “I met a couple of fellas, watched the game, and they said, ‘We’re at home again on Tuesday, are you coming again?’ And that was it.”
In 1996, as chairman of the supporters’ club, he was tasked with finding a new PA announcer. When no candidate emerged, Long stepped up temporarily—a decision that became permanent. “I used to do mobile discos, so I thought I’d help out,” he said. “They never found anyone else, and I just kept coming in.”
Memorable Moments at the Mic
From announcing the team at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in the 2003 play-off final to meeting World Cup winner Martin Peters, Long’s tenure has been filled with unforgettable experiences. One particularly poignant moment came during a tribute to late manager Keith Alexander. “We played Hereford on a Friday night just after Keith passed away,” he said. “It was the strangest and most emotional game I’ve ever done.”
From Fan to Fixture
Long’s connection to the Imps transcends the press box. In his early days, he announced matches from his season ticket seat, juggling the mic and his fan enthusiasm. “If we scored a goal, I’d be jumping up and down like a fan, then grab the mic to shout out the goal scorer,” he said. Over time, his role evolved, but his passion for the club has remained constant.
“It just becomes part of your DNA. One day, the club might say it’s time to move on, or I might not be able to walk to the press box. It will be weird to just sit and watch a match because I haven’t done that since 1996.”
A Legacy Cemented
As Long approaches his 1,000th game on New Year’s Day against Rotherham United, his impact on Lincoln City is undeniable. From promotion-winning seasons to navigating the challenges of non-league football, his voice has been a constant. Reflecting on his journey, he summed it up simply: “I’m proud to have done it. Hopefully, it’s not been too bad, and I’ll carry on as long as possible, because I love it.”
