Iron manager Russ Wilcox dedicated the club’s promotion back to League One to the supporters after a ‘difficult three seasons’ for the United faithful.
Over the course of the past three years, the Iron have suffered two relegations, but started to head in the right direction again this season by clinching a top-two finish in League Two.A record-breaking 28 game unbeaten run put United on the brink of promotion going into last weekend’s game away to Exeter City, with their place in the automatic promotion positions confirmed despite a surprise 2-0 defeat.
That meant Saturday’s game against York City at Glanford Park was always set to be a scene of celebration, with fans invading the pitch at the end of the match before their side gathered in the Director’s Box to mark the occasion in style.
Wilcox himself made a passionate speech praising the support, and told The Iron Player: “It’s great, and that’s why I said ‘that’s for you’ – because it is.
“They are the life and soul of the club, and put their hard-earned money in every week. Times are difficult at the moment; there’s not many jobs about, and people are putting money into the club that they perhaps can’t afford.
“That’s how they are, so it’s great to give something back from myself, the staff, the players, and obviously the board. Without the board, and without the chairman’s backing in January, we wouldn’t have had the key signings who helped get us over the line.
“It’s been a huge team effort.”
Having secured their place in the third tier of English football once again, Wilcox is already eyeing several ‘derby’ matches set to now take place next season – including a meeting with Doncaster Rovers after they were relegated from the Championship on the final day.
Although the curtain has only just come down on this historic campaign, the 50-year-old is relishing what the future holds, and added: “It’s going to be exciting, and I can’t wait for the fixtures to come out on 18 June.
“You can throw Bradford in there too, who are another big side, and an ex-Premiership team. It’s great for the football club, and great for the supporters too.
“They are the main people. They support this club through thick and thin. Players and staff move on, but supporters are always there, so it’s a special day for them after three difficult seasons.
“To see the smiling faces at the end of the game makes me a very proud man.”
See much more from Russ Wilcox on The Iron Player.