Iron chairman Peter Swann expressed his delight after seeing the club secure promotion back to League One on Saturday despite suffering a 2-0 reverse to Exeter City at St James’ Park.
Having fallen to their first defeat in 29 games – and their first under manager Russ Wilcox – United fans faced a nervous wait at the final whistle as they were left counting on results elsewhere to seal their place in the top three.However, rivals Fleetwood Town being held to a point by Southend United was enough to confirm the Iron’s promotion with a game to spare after the Cod Army were left languishing four points below United in the table with just three points left to play for.
The result also had positive implications for the home side in their fight against relegation out of the Football League, and Swann told The Iron Player: “We have been outplayed today, but all credit to Exeter who were fighting for their lives.
“They’ve survived, and we’ve gone up, so it’s a great finish to the day. It was just a little bit agonising, that’s all.”
The success caps a memorable year for Swann – who replaced previous incumbent Steve Wharton last May – and the former Gainsborough Trinity chairman joked: “I’ve got to keep bettering this every year now, haven’t I?
“The guys have been great. Russ [Wilcox] has been fantastic. It’s a shame the run has come to an end, but we can start another one now, so it’s great.
“We can start to look forward now, and to think about League One, which is a great thought – a marvellous thought.”
See much more from Peter Swann and various others on youtube.com/scunthorpeunitedfc.