Former Scunthorpe United Stalwart “Hoping” for Promotion

Ex-Scunthorpe United manager Russ Wilcox is “hoping” his former side can achieve promotion into the National League this season.

Wilcox is no stranger to promotion with the Iron, having achieved the feat as the manager, assistant manager and as a player. 

Russ Wilcox Has His “Fingers Crossed”:

The 60-year-old, who is the current Gainsborough Trinity manager, spoke to reporter Jamie Johnson about his former side. He said: “The core of the group is there, they’ve added a few lads who were out of contract. They’ve got a strong squad, I’ve known Andy Butler 22 years as a player for Scunthorpe United, and Farsley Celtic, and now he’s got an opportunity at a huge club for that level.”

Wilcox added: “They’re out to win the league, and fingers crossed they do.

“You’re hoping this will be the year that they get off and running and hopefully eventually get back into the EFL, because that’s where they should be. With the support from the town, it was incredible last season, seven or eight thousand people turning up for National League North game, it shows you what the community feel about the football club.”

Promotion is the Aim for Scunthorpe United:

Scunthorpe United have not kept their aim of securing promotion into the National League a secret during their communications in the off-season.

The North Lincolnshire-based outfit narrowly missed out on escaping the National League North last term when eventual play-off winners Boston United pipped them on penalties.

Former Iron Wilcox is perhaps best placed to talk about promotion in the Scunthorpe context, having managed as much in three stints with the club. The former Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End centre-back said he was “proud” to be a part of the Iron’s history. 

Summer Signings Setting the Tone:

It has been a busy summer at the Attis Arena, with plenty of re-signings being followed by a flurry of new recruits. So far, they have sealed the singings of 22-year-old National League play-off finalist Max Brogan from Solihull Moors, former Fleetwood Town and Carlisle United striker Sam Fishburn, and South African forward Carlton Ubaezuonu. 

One of the Contenders – Opinion:

The National League North is not an easy league to get out of, but after going close last season, Scunthorpe United were always going to be one of the promotion contenders again this time around. The Iron have recruited well already, bolstering their squad, while also retaining the core of what was a successful side last season. 

New manager Andy Butler may feel the weight of expectation on his shoulders, but the well wishes and optimism of a club stalwart like Russ Wilcox will surely help ease some potential anxieties heading into the upcoming campaign.