A SEASON IN REVIEW - AUGUST
Posted on: Mon 15 Jun 2009
Over the coming days, Scunthorpe-United.co.uk will reflect on what will be seen in history as one of the greatest seasons in the Iron's existence.
2008-09 promised so much for United, and they duly delivered as Nigel Adkins and his charges won promotion back into the Championship at the first attempt.
They won two, drew one and lost two in pre-season but that didn't concern Adkins who stated it was all about gaining fitness.
Garry Thompson, Kenny Milne, Michael Lea (all free) and Gary Hooper (an initial £125,000) all joined in June and July, while other additions were soon made to the squad in the shape of Sam Slocombe (free), Krystian Pearce (loan), David Mirfin (£150,000) Sam Togwell and Martyn Woolford (both undisclosed).
The season had kicked off before the latter five signed, and it was a mouthwatering beginning to a new campaign as Leeds United came to town.
Glanford Park was full for the clash with Jermaine Beckford's side and, after dominating play for the first hour, Nigel Adkins' side took a deserved lead through Hooper - scoring the first of 30 goals.
The team soon sat back, however, and Enoch Showunmi soon equalised with a header before Beckford's late winner meant a losing start for United.
Just three days later it got worse as Scunthorpe capitulated in the second half to lose 3-0 at Hartlepool United in the first round of the Carling Cup.
Adkins was ashamed of his team's display and delivered some harsh words after the game - after then they rarely looked back.
There was a blow for Milne, however, who was stretchered off with a knee injury and didn't play again for the remainder of the season.
United, reeling from the dismissal of debutant Mirfin, let slip a one goal lead (through Thompson) to lose 2-1 at Walsall in their next match but it was much improved and the North Lincolnshire side soon started to climb the table.
A 1-0 home victory over fellow division newcomers Peterborough United proved the catalyst. It was a tight game but the win was secured through Paul Hayes' penalty.
Then, just a week later, Scunthorpe really took off as they won 3-0 at Stockport. Hooper scored twice in either half, while Grant McCann scored a superb free-kick.
They may have started poorly but United were now sixth at the end of their first month, handily placed to challenge for a return to the Championship.
August's league record
P4 W2 L2 D0 Pts 6.
August's top scorer
Gary Hooper (three).
2008-09 promised so much for United, and they duly delivered as Nigel Adkins and his charges won promotion back into the Championship at the first attempt.
They won two, drew one and lost two in pre-season but that didn't concern Adkins who stated it was all about gaining fitness.
Garry Thompson, Kenny Milne, Michael Lea (all free) and Gary Hooper (an initial £125,000) all joined in June and July, while other additions were soon made to the squad in the shape of Sam Slocombe (free), Krystian Pearce (loan), David Mirfin (£150,000) Sam Togwell and Martyn Woolford (both undisclosed).
The season had kicked off before the latter five signed, and it was a mouthwatering beginning to a new campaign as Leeds United came to town.
Glanford Park was full for the clash with Jermaine Beckford's side and, after dominating play for the first hour, Nigel Adkins' side took a deserved lead through Hooper - scoring the first of 30 goals.
The team soon sat back, however, and Enoch Showunmi soon equalised with a header before Beckford's late winner meant a losing start for United.
Just three days later it got worse as Scunthorpe capitulated in the second half to lose 3-0 at Hartlepool United in the first round of the Carling Cup.
Adkins was ashamed of his team's display and delivered some harsh words after the game - after then they rarely looked back.
There was a blow for Milne, however, who was stretchered off with a knee injury and didn't play again for the remainder of the season.
United, reeling from the dismissal of debutant Mirfin, let slip a one goal lead (through Thompson) to lose 2-1 at Walsall in their next match but it was much improved and the North Lincolnshire side soon started to climb the table.
A 1-0 home victory over fellow division newcomers Peterborough United proved the catalyst. It was a tight game but the win was secured through Paul Hayes' penalty.
Then, just a week later, Scunthorpe really took off as they won 3-0 at Stockport. Hooper scored twice in either half, while Grant McCann scored a superb free-kick.
They may have started poorly but United were now sixth at the end of their first month, handily placed to challenge for a return to the Championship.
August's league record
P4 W2 L2 D0 Pts 6.
August's top scorer
Gary Hooper (three).
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