New Iron Chief Executive Officer James Rodwell enjoyed the first day of his new role at Glanford Park on Thursday.
Supporters can click here to see details of his appointment, which was announced on Wednesday.At the end of his first day, Scunthorpe-United.co.uk sat down with the former Notts County CEO to discuss his first few hours in the new post and his aspirations for his time in North Lincolnshire.
Question: How have you found your first day?
JR: It's been interesting, and really good to be honest with you. I've found what I thought I would find - there are lots of engaging people getting on with what they do. Football clubs work because of people who go the extra yard. I thought that's what I'd find at Scunthorpe and that's what I've got. It's a great platform to move forward with.
Question: How long has your move to the Iron been in the pipeline for then?
JR: Myself and Peter Swann have been speaking on and off for a little while. It was a big decision for me, leaving a football club I loved and really enjoyed being at (Notts County). I liked the people I worked for, and with, but it was time for another challenge. When Peter explained to me what his vision was for Scunthorpe, it was really appealing. The stadium project is incredible, as are the proposed training facilities. To be involved with something like this is the holy grail for people in my position. It's something we have to make a reality. You try and come in with your eyes wide open, and I spent a lot of time speaking to Peter and Karin Swann, and trying to find out what Scunthorpe is all about. I'm really pleased with what I've found so far.
Question: How is exciting is the prospect of the new stadium to you?
JR: The project and the owners' vision is a big reason why I've come to Scunthorpe. We're going to try and get the football club up into the Championship, and then sustain ourselves at that level. The new stadium can help to do that. It's an incredible project, not just for the football club but for the whole of Scunthorpe. It provides the opportunity for a huge regeneration, and hopefully the people will get right behind it. With the overall plans, including the building of houses, the whole project is a catalyst for growth, change and employment in the area. I live in Lincoln, I'm from there, and think something like this is desperately missing there. Their miss is our gain, and it will be good to try and grow the support base of the club. The new stadium and what the club has planned will certainly prove a big catalyst to drive that forward. It's fantastic and something that the people of Scunthorpe and the surrounding areas can rally behind and get involved with.
Question: What is your going to entail then? Will it be focusing mainly on the new stadium?
JR: It will be all encompassing. I'm just here to help lead and provide a fresh outlook. We will see how the role evolves, but I'm prepared to roll my sleeves up - I've got to muck in and get on with it.
Question: As a former professional footballer, you have a strong background in the game. Can you tell us a bit more about it?
JR: I played a little bit, I was the archetypal centre-back, they used to say I 'turned like a rusty screw!'. I played at Glanford Park a few times, though I never won. I went on to learn my trade (in the off-the-field side of the sport) at Boston and Notts County and have been involved with the FA and Football League. Until Wednesday I was a full board member with the Football League but because I've changed clubs I have to resign my position - hopefully I shall put myself up for re-election. Then ultimately it will be up to the League One clubs whether they want me as a representative on the board of the Football League. I also sit on the FA Council and am going to Turin for a couple of days the week after next as part of their international committee. I'm quite looking forward to that.
Question: When will you first get to see the Iron in action in your new role then?
JR: My first game will be Sheffield United away on Tuesday. On Saturday it's one of my best friend's 40th birthday parties, which he arranged around me (while in the previous role at Notts County), in Windsor because Notts County have a game at MK Dons. I'll be at the games home and away, though I may have to miss the one at Notts County a week on Saturday because it's a little too soon after leaving there!