In the wake of all the excitement and joy of becoming a League One club again, the harsh reality of retained lists and new contracts comes to the fore and of course that then awakens fans opinions on who should stay and who should go.
We can not always get that right, but we have to look at more than personalities, current wages, demands of players, budgets etc. It is about planning to build a squad that can challenge in League One.
The squad we have had, has shown a great attitude and my gratitude goes out to all the players and I believe I have had a positive and productive relationship with all of them. It is even more difficult to make these decisions when they are players you know and respect, but we have to be selfish as a club. Russ, Lee and myself have sat down and discussed the players, what we require for next season and the budget we want to work with. Any decision to release a player has been thought out and we have targeted new players to replace them and the key will be they have to be better than we have.
Our budget will be competitive and it will be supported by me wholeheartedly throughout the season, with funds available if required and justified.
We have asked all the players who have received offers to give us an answer by the end of May and if we have not negotiated with them by then, or completed a deal, we will move on and look at our target list of players, it makes sense.
What I can promise the fans is a great summer ahead, be that waiting for the fixtures, waiting for the deals to be confirmed or the signing of a few exciting players, it will be memorable!
We couldn't quite reach the heights of classy football in League Two, but I was delighted with the attitude and we grafted our way out of a difficult division. It could have been a lot worse and we could have been fighting relegation at one point, or looking at another tough season in League Two!
Just think of the Bristol Rovers fans, it must be a horrible feeling after nearly 100 years in league football, I feel for them.
So what do I want this season?
I have asked the management to deliver a competitive squad, good enough to challenge for a play-off place and I am convinced they will do that. Yes, we want to play better football and excite the fans, but we can't do that all the time.
Let's show League One what Scunthorpe are all about, some amazing local games, some great traveling fans and an opportunity for the club to cement itself as an important and integral part of the community.
I could never be prouder, lets bring it on!
Up the Iron
Peter Swann
Club News
A DIFFICULT TIME
9 May 2014
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