Football Season Guide

Peter Swann has become an increasing totemic figure as Scunthorpe United’s fortunes continue to wane. He continues to change managers almost as often as his socks and last season’s appointment of Paul Hurst was a real failure as a fall-out between the pair saw Hurst unceremoniously head out of Glanford Park’s revolving doors, much to the dismay of supporters. Another spell in caretaker charge for Russ Wilcox came to a premature end due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Iron will have been relieved when the final standings were decided by PPG. The next man to take the hot-seat is Neal Cox, who might have stayed as assistant at Notts County had they not lost the National League play-off final to Harrogate Town. Time will tell whether Cox’s decision was brave or foolhardy and he has made several additions to his squad. None of them particularly stand-out, however, and there is a sense of quantity over quality. Cox will need to get the best out of mercurial striker Kevin van Veen, although he will miss the start of the season due to knee surgery. Rory Watson had a disappointing season between the sticks whilst the late flourish from midfield playmaker John McAtee has seen him attract interest from North East giants Newcastle United and Sunderland.