The Iron’s latest recruit Charlie Goode is excited to get back into league football and is looking forward to the challenge.
The centre-half joins United on a free transfer from non-league Hendon on a two-year deal with a further 12 months option in the club’s favour, becoming Scunthorpe’s fifth signing of the summer.“I’m very excited (about my move to Scunthorpe),” he told The Iron Player.
“Coming from non-league is a big jump, but I’m delighted to have joined and it’ll be a good experience and hopefully this move will take me a long way.
“I was at AFC Hayes two years ago and joined Hendon, with a couple of other offers at the time. I chose Hendon and Gary McCann gave me good football down there. I’ve near enough played every game since I went there and we just missed out on promotion in the play-off final last season.
“It’s brought me here now, so it’s been a really good season for me."
A transition from full-back to a central defender role – following a growth spurt – has seen Charlie re-emerge as an up-and-coming player following a departure from Fulham at youth level.
“At a young age, I was with Fulham and with the squad I travelled out on tours to Italy and Spain,” he continued.
“At the time, I was very small so played at right-back and that’s sort of why I didn’t get my chance. I’m now nearly 6 foot 5 inches and a centre-half, so it’s helped me out massively.
“I’ve always had a bit of pace, so it’s just been a case that my height has helped me along the way and now I’m following in the footsteps of my dad who was a centre-half as a semi-professional.
“He’s worked at clubs like Fulham, so he’s been a great help to get me to where I am now.”
The Iron’s fifth newcomer donned an England shirt as recently as just a week ago, featuring for the Three Lion’s ‘C’ team – an experience he enjoyed.
“I got 25 minutes last Monday,” he stated.
“We beat Ireland 2-1 and I would have loved to have got more minutes, but it was a great experience. It was my first call-up and it wasn’t something I could have expected at the start of the season. To finish the season in that way is an honour and a great achievement for me.
“The league is going to be a massive step up for me. I’ve got to work hard and try and earn my place here. I’ve got to work hard, but I know that already.
“I just want to make as many appearances as I can. I’m not expecting to walk in(to the team), but I’m going to work hard and do the best that I can to do that.”
He added: “My pre-season starts now. I’m going to make sure that I’m fit enough for the first day of pre-season.”
See much more from Charlie Goode on The Iron Player.