Iron defender Richard Brindley says confidence is growing in the squad and believes “things can only get better” under manager Mark Robins.
Speaking to The Iron Player, Brindley spoke of the way the team has developed through the influence of Robins, who has guided Scunthorpe to an unbeaten run of nine matches.“The gaffer has made it clear we’ve got to believe in ourselves and be braver,” said the 21-year-old. “I think the lads are starting to see that we can go to any place and dominate teams.
“We play good football and I believe it can only get better. Under this manager the team is developing and I think there are big things still to come.”
It is this sort of determination that earned the Iron a late point away at Bradford last Saturday, with Hakeeb Adelakun scoring a stoppage-time equaliser, something Brindley says the side more than deserved.
He stated: “It was a good game and I thought we played very well. It was disappointing not to get the three points that I believe we deserved but we’ve got to be happy with going to Valley Parade and getting a point. We can push on from here.”
Brindley said that at times the Bradford encounter “felt like a training game” following the “wave after wave of attacks” Scunthorpe created.
He said: “We created a lot of chances and were unlucky not to score more; I guess in that respect they were fortunate. But their goalkeeper made some good saves and in the end we’ll take a point.”
The defender is relishing the amount of games in the Christmas period after spending some time on the sidelines due to injury. The Iron face Rochdale and Sheffield United in the space of two days after Christmas.
“Both sides are doing quite well and they’re two good teams,” said the former Chesterfield man.
“But looking at our squad – especially after Saturday – you can see what we’re capable of. You can see the positivity and confidence that is flowing around the place right now; we’re definitely looking to get a win from Saturday.”
The Rotherham loanee joined the Iron at the end of November and, despite his injury setting him back a bit, he is pleased to have the chance to come here and help the team out.
He said: “I’m very happy to be here playing football right now. Joining Scunthorpe has been a great opportunity to get the rust out of me and get back to my best. I’m almost 100% fit and I’m looking forward to the next couple of games. The Christmas period is always crazy.”
Brindley has started Scunthorpe’s last two league games and now feels he is close to full fitness following his return from injury.
“It was strange being back on the pitch at the Crewe game because I’d been injured for a while,” he said.
"But I felt a lot better and closer to my best at Bradford. I thought I was good going forward and creating chances and I’m sure I have a lot more to bring to this squad.”
See much more from Richard Brindley, Ned Kelly and Marcus Williams on The Iron Player.