Scunthorpe assistant manager Ned Kelly says there’s “absolutely still a job to do” against Doncaster on Sunday.
The Iron guaranteed their place in League One after grabbing three points against Gillingham and are now looking to move above Rovers in the table with a victory at the Keepmoat Stadium.“We’re obviously pleased to have secured safety and we’re really looking forward to Sunday’s match against Doncaster,” said Kelly.
“It’s a local derby so it’s a big game. We’ll take a really good support with us and there’s certainly bragging rights up for grabs.”
Kelly says there is plenty to play for in the clash and insists United will be taking it very seriously.
“It’s an important game and we want to finish the season on a win. We got a good result against Gillingham the other day and we’d like to back it up with another one at Doncaster,” he said.
Mark Robins’ number two revealed Isaiah Osbourne and Kyle Wooton could be fit for contention, after missing the victory against Gillingham. Both are still in the treatment room but Kelly is hoping they will both be back training by Thursday or Friday this week.
He went on to discuss the threat Doncaster pose for Scunthorpe: “They’ve got some big and powerful centre halves and are quick up front. We had Nathan Tyson when I was at Forest and Jamie McCombe is known by everyone over here.”
Kelly says he is pleased with how the season has gone since his and Robins’ arrival in October, particularly when taking into account the amount of games the club has had in short succession.
He said: “When you’re in a difficult position, securing safety is going to be the aim. League One is a long and tough division so we’re pleased to stay up, although it’s tinged with a bit of frustration because, at times, we could’ve got some slightly better results.
“However, you don’t ever get the chance to gain points back once the match is finished so you have to move on quickly. We’ll assess the season when it’s over and then we’ll see where we can go in order to improve for next term.”
Kelly says the manager will speak to all squad members once the season is over to ensure “everyone knows where they stand” for the 2015/16 campaign.
“There’ll be a few people leave and some that come in. Pre-season is a very good time to try and get your ideas and philosophy across,” he said.
“We’ll be working hard and already have a plan in place.”
Kelly and Robins are already looking at targets for the summer and the 49-year-old praised chairman Peter Swann for his contributions to the club.
He said: “There are targets we’ve looked at and we’ll have the help of the chairman to try and get the best possible group of players. He has been tremendously supportive since the day we walked through the door; he wants the club to do well and, with the plans he’s got looking forward, it’s exciting times.”
See much more from Ned Kelly, Paddy Madden and Jordan Clarke on The Iron Player.