Football Season Guide

Neil Cox won’t forget his first year in management in a hurry. Scunthorpe United stayed up by just three points and it doesn’t look like his second season will be any easier. The Iron have been on a downward spiral in recent years, not helped by the decisions of owner Peter Swann. Cox did at least get the chance to see the season out but it won’t be fondly by fans left to watch on iFollow due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Cox had to deal with a bloated squad and, in a clear case of quantity over quality, they were needed as a ridiculous injury-list mounted up. Having survived by the skin of their teeth, there was soon a big exodus of players, many of them rejecting offers of a new deal. They include midfielder and player of the season Alex Gilliead and winger Abo Eisa, who have both joined Bradford City. Goalkeeper Mark Howard, defenders Harrison McGahey and Jacob Bedeau and experienced midfielder Jem Karacan have also left whilst midfielder Lewis Spence was allowed to join Hamilton Academical for a nominal fee. Young left-back Mason O’Malley was a rare shinning light whilst striker Ryan Loft enjoyed his best campaign to date and both will be looking to kick on again next season. Cox has begun to rebuild his squad and so far he has made five additions, with defender Harry Davis and midfielder Alex Kenyon have joined from promoted Morecambe. He will be busy in the transfer market right up until it closes as he looks to avoid another relegation battle.