Scunthorpe United can announce Phil Jacklin has been appointed as the club's new Safety Officer, following the departure of Pat Smith at the end of last season.
Phil steps up to the role in his 24th season working for the Iron, starting as an orange-coat steward in his first campaign back in 1994/95 before working predominantly in the away end. He has since been part of the control box staff, where he was most recently Deputy Safety Officer.
We spoke to Phil ahead of him commencing his new role. He, as eagerly as any supporter, is now looking forward to the fixtures being released next Wednesday.
ON TAKING THE ROLE...
PJ: It's not a role that will be massively new to me and it won't be new surroundings, having worked for the club for 23 years, going into my 24th season.
I currently also work for the NHS as the Senior Engineer for the whole of North Lincolnshire, so it's a big role I'm giving up to take on this opportunity, but I'm really looking forward to it and I'm excited.
The first game for me in the role will be Sunderland in pre-season and hopefully both sides will be well supported. I've worked for another company with Sunderland before and they're very vocal and friendly. I'm looking forward to that and then looking forward to the fixtures and the big derbies, with the likes of Doncaster Rovers coming across.
ON HIS EXPERIENCE AT GLANFORD PARK...
PJ: I started on the terraces before I was moved to the away stand, taking charge of that area for about ten months. I then became the Senior Ground Steward before becoming the Deputy Safety Officer for eight years and now it's my turn to step up and take the reins.
There isn't a stand I haven't worked in and there isn't a stewarding role I haven't done at the club, so I know the stadium inside out.
ON HIS AIMS...
PJ: I'll be looking to improve the safety of the stadium and create a good relationship with the fans, ultimately making Glanford Park a safe environment to watch the games.
I'm ex-military, so I come in with a very disciplined background. I'll be looking to tighten up the professionalism of the stewards and make sure that they are slightly better trained, as you can always do more training.
We have a few new ideas and will be looking to implement these once I commence the role.
FANS' FEEDBACK IS WELCOME...
PJ: I am only going to be at the club on a part-time basis, but I'll be able to correspond via email and I'll attend fans forums if I'm needed or if there are any suggestions. There were a few ideas on atmosphere at the end of last season and we will continue to listen to suggestions put forward.