Iron winger Gary McSheffrey is anticipating an exciting season in League One when the new campaign gets underway in August.
The 31-year-old signed a new one-year contract with United on Tuesday morning after agreeing to extend his stay last week.
Now, with the challenge of third tier football just the other side of this summer’s World Cup, McSheffrey is already relishing his return to pre-season training having not been involved in one last summer.
He told The Iron Player: “Having missed the last month or so of the season I am already looking forward to returning for pre-season.
“I had a couple of niggles last season and I had a problem with my hamstring which I’d never had before so I’ll just be hoping that I can get a good pre-season under my belt because that is something I didn’t get last season.”
The United midfielder added: “I didn’t get a pre-season game or proper training. Hopefully I’ll get a good pre-season under my belt this summer with the lads and then you’ll see a different me next season.”
As a vastly experienced player who has played in across a number of leagues, including the Premier League, McSheffrey knows all about getting a good start under your belt.
If teams don’t get off to a good start they will more than likely end up fighting at the wrong end of the table.
On the other hand, should they get off to an excellent start anything could happen.
McSheffrey said: “We will be all aiming to have another great season for this club but the main thing is that we get off to the best possible start we can when the season starts in August.
“We can’t afford to be left behind. If you can get a good start then you never know what could happen."
“Again it is still one of them leagues where anyone can beat anyone,” the former Coventry City winger continued.
“When we are on our best form we could probably beat any of the teams that are in that league with us.
“Likewise, that can also work the other way round. We are all looking forward to the challenge and we have nothing to fear.”
He added: “All the lads here are full of confidence having achieved so much last season.”
The vastly experienced midfielder will also be returning to his home town club, Coventry City, for the first time since he left them just under a year ago.
While he is looking forward to going back to his old stomping ground, albeit not the familiar sight of the Ricoh Arena, he says they can be uncomfortable situations.
“These things happen in football and it is always an awkward situation when you are playing against your home town club, but it is all part of the job and profession,” McSheffrey explained.
“It is one of those things that you have to do, whether you like it or not.
“If it was at the Ricoh Arena all the lads would be buzzing because it is a fantastic ground.
“But wherever the game is Northampton or another venue we just have to be professional and treat it as another game.”
After signing a new deal with the Iron, which runs until the end of next season, McSheffrey expressed his delight about resigning for a club where he feels valued.
The winger, who made 11 appearances for United last season, is hopeful of showing the Iron fans exactly what he is capable of when he is fully fit and has minutes under his belt.
He stated: “I've just signed a new one-year contract here at Scunthorpe United and I am delighted to have my future all completed now.
“I am looking forward that I have been given the opportunity to play on League One again.
“I feel that this is the right place for me so I am looking forward to the challenge next season.”
See much more from Gary McSheffrey on The Iron Player.