Lincoln City announcer celebrates 1000th game

Alan Long worked his 1000th game as a PA announcer at Lincoln City's stadium on New Year's Day

A man from Lincoln has celebrated his 1000th game as Lincoln City's stadium announcer.

Alan Long first took on the role at Sincil Bank in 1997 and reached the milestone in the team's 1-0 loss to Rotherham on New Year's Day.

The 66-year-old, who also works as the team's supporter liaison officer, has told the BBC he is "proud" of the achievement.

"When I started, I don't think I, or anybody else, would have ever thought that I would do 1000 games watching, let alone being on the PA," he said.

Mr Long moved to Lincoln in 1979, the same year he went to his first Lincoln City game and 18 years later worked his first game as a PA announcer.

While Mr Long's 1000th game did not result in a win for Lincoln City, he said he's still "very proud".

"It's very humbling. People have said some really nice things as well and I'd like to thank them all for that.

"I'd be 96 if I do get to 2000 [games]. You may have to push me out on a gurney."

Mr Long went to his first Lincoln City game in 1979 and started his PA career in 1997

Despite Mr Long's milestone, the job hasn't all been triumph and victory.

He described a low point of his career being when Lincoln City played Aldershot Town and were relegated from the Football League.

"People just didn't want to leave and it was quite emotional at the time because, of course, I was as upset, as they were, but I'm trying to be professional and it wasn't easy. That was a bad moment, no doubt about it," he said.

But for the stadium announcer, the wins outweigh the losses.

He said Lincoln City's 5-3 win in the League Two semi-final against Scunthorpe United in 2003 was a "memorable game for lots of reasons" and described Nathan Arnold's winning goal against Ipswich Town during the 2017 FA Cup fourth round as "iconic".

The ultimate highlight for Mr Long, however, was the final whistle against Macclesfield FC in 2017 which saw the Imps promoted back to the Football League.

"When that whistle went, that was probably the most emotional I've ever been. It was a really special day so that was the highlight. Let's hope that there's one or two more to come."

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