Last season was great for everyone at the club, but none more so than striker, Sam Winnall, who enjoyed a prolific campaign.
The 23 year old has found the back of the net 23 times and only a miracle would prevent him getting the League Two golden boot.To add to this the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man made the PFA team of the season, chosen by his fellow opponents.
Winnall was also named as League Two’s best player by popular football magazine, FourFourTwo, despite not getting the Football League’s award.
Whilst the Iron striker has been gaining a lot of plaudits on a personal level, he was also very quick to highlight the importance of the team around him.
When talking to the Iron's official promotion book, Winnall spoke about the successes of this season and also his hopes for next season and the future.
What were the team’s aims at the start of the season?
SW: Promotion. I think we knew that with the squad we’ve got we should be challenging for the title and should certainly be in that top 7 bracket. We’ve been really consistent though and went 28 games unbeaten during the season, which has only helped us to achieve it.
Did you set yourself any personal targets?
SW: Not really, I didn’t want to set myself any targets. I just wanted to go into every game the same attitude and focus of “I want to play well and score goals.” I think that mind-set and confidence has helped me do well throughout the year.
Has this confidence helped to put you on the way to winning the League Two golden boot?
SW: Yeah, the continuity of playing has helped massively. It’s hard for a striker when you are in and out of the side, but I’ve had a good run and been able to play a lot of games. The team has played well and that has given me the confidence to play well and get goals.
How does it feel to be named in the League Two team of the season?
SW: It’s a fantastic achievement and I was honoured to be selected. To be recognised by people you’ve played against all year is a testament to how well I’ve played and it is something I’ll cherish for a while.
You’ve chipped in with a fair share of goals, but how important has the defensive side been this year?
SW: It’s been huge. From Sam and all the way forward, one to eleven, we’ve been really consistent. At a lot of times we’ve been under the cosh, but we’ve seen it out and nicked a goal. It’s been a joint effort all season, in terms of attack and defence.
Would you say consistency has been a major factor for the side this season?
SW: Definitely, I think if you look across our season that’s how you’d describe it. Only losing five games all year is a massive achievement and I think if you do have that kind of form then you are only going to have success at the end of the season.
Do you feel that the sense of togetherness in the squad has helped you to achieve promotion?
SW: Definitely, we’re all really close off the pitch. Everyone gets on well and there is no hostility in the dressing room and that can only help. It has undoubtedly helped us to get to where we expect to be.
How important have the fans been this season?
SW: Yeah they’ve been great. There’s not been a single game where you haven’t been able to hear them. We took 600 to Exeter and over 1000 to Morecambe and Mansfield. It’s been great all year, everywhere we’ve gone we know there will be support.
Do you think the squad has everything it needs to compete next year?
SW: Absolutely, the experience we’ve got blended with enthusiasm has served us well and hopefully it can carry on. We’re really excited for it and looking forward to it, more than anything and hopefully that can see us finish as high as possible next season.