United boss Graham Alexander is predicting a tough test when Bury visit Glanford Park this Saturday.
This weekend’s opponents are currently sitting in 20th position but, despite this, Alexander certainly doesn’t feel the challenge will be any easier.Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Alexander said: “When we played them at their place, it was an extremely difficult game but one we were victorious in.
“That result sparked off a run of poor results for Bury, which cost the manager his job, which was very unfortunate.
“They’ve still got the same good quality players that were up at the top end when we played them.
“We know they’ve got certain good players within their ranks, and they’ll be extremely well organised.
“We have to make sure we perform to our maximum, and I’m sure we’ll get the results to follow those performances.”
Saturday’s fixtures sees a special promotional offer from the club, with admission for Adults just £10, £5 for 65+’s/Under-21’s/Students, £1 for Under-18’s and free for Under-12’s* (*when purchased in advance from the club’s ticket office).
Alexander is hoping for another bumper Glanford Park crowd. Click here to purchase your tickets online.
“It’s important the strength of support we get,” Alexander declared.
“We had a really good crowd here last week (versus Peterborough) as well, and the players feel that sort of support also.
“For a supporter coming down here, you’re going to see a team that’s fully committed to the game, that wants to score goals and wants to win games.
“We saw last year when we did a similar thing against Port Vale, there were over 7,000, and that’s the kind of support that spurs players on.
“I’m delighted with the people that come anyway, because I think their support for the team has been superb. However, the more we can get in the better.”
There was more positive news on the fitness of both David Mirfin and Conor Townsend, who remain on course for a return to action in the not too distant future.
“They’re (Conor Townsend and David Mirfin) both going to be a few weeks, but Conor is going to be a bit more straightforward, as we know his rehab plan,” he stated.
“However, like I said last week, Mirf plateaued out a little bit, but he’s actually come on a bit this week and has had four days of running, with no negative response.
“It’ll still be a short period of time before he joins in with us and, once he does start training, it’s going to then take him a couple of weeks to get up to match fitness.”
Alexander also provided an update on the various loan deals involving the club, with Kyle Wootton, Scott Laird, Jack King and Harry Toffolo’s respective situations explained.
“Kyle (Wootton) has come back from Ferriby, but I’m going to discuss it with him. I spoke to Steve Housham (North Ferriby’s manager) about it, and they’re very keen to take him back there,” he disclosed.
“Scott Laird and Jack King are both due back next week.
“Harry Toffolo has gone back to Norwich, but we’re trying to get him back before the weekend if possible.
“They have certain issues down there, so they need Harry in and around it, especially this week.”
The Scunthorpe manager in addition spoke of the club’s plans in the January transfer window, and explained it’ll be a case of quality over quantity.
“There are still general enquiries around the various clubs,” he revealed.
“We’re not trying to revolutionise the squad, it’s only a couple of players, but we need to support the players that are here.
“If we can get a couple of players to help continue the positive performances and results, then we’ll try and do that.”
See much more from Graham Alexander, Stephen Dawson and Murray Wallace on The Iron PlayerHD.
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