Sean Long joins Salford City Reds coaching staff

Sean Long played for Wigan, Widnes, St Helens and Hull FC

Salford have appointed Sean Long to their coaching staff following his retirement from the game as a player.

The former St Helens and Great Britain scrum-half, 34, announced his retirement last week after two injury-plagued years at Hull.

Head coach Matt Parish has been reorganising his staff as the Reds prepare to move to their new home at Barton next season.

"Sean's a winner. He'll bring us that winning ability," said Parish.

"We are fortunate to have been able to attract him."

Long began his career at Wigan, but it was with arch-rivals St Helens where he made his name, featuring in four title-winning sides, being named Man of Steel in 2000.

But the three-time Lance Todd Trophy winner's career has not been without controversy.

In 2004 he served a three-month ban for breaking rugby league betting rules, as well as leaving Great Britian's 2006 Tri-Nations tour earlier than expected.

He retired from international rugby league the following year after winning 14 caps but continued to excel for Saints before joining Hull on a two-year deal after defeat in the 2009 Grand Final.

Long called time on his career last week following a dislocated shoulder sustained in Hull's match against rivals Hull KR in June.

He will join another Saints great, Phil Veivers, in the Reds' backroom staff.

"I'm excited about the new challenge," said Long. "Luckily I can stay involved in rugby league."

Long's retirement leaves only two players, the currently sidelined Keith Senior and Paul Johnson, as survivors from the inaugural Super League season in 1996.