As featured in our matchday programme this season, we caught up with former midfielder Matt Sparrow as he chose a fantasy six-a-side team of players he was alongside in claret and blue, and also spoke about life in the changing room.
STAR SIX
Matt selects a fantasy six-a-side team from players he was alongside during his spell with the Iron.
Goalkeeper: Joe Murphy
He was the best goalkeeper with the ball at his feet. He could easily play outfield but his kicking was exceptional.
Defender: Nathan Stanton
This guy was really quick, read the game well and wasn’t shy of a tackle. He’s still at the club as kit man.
Defender: Marcus Williams
Every time we teamed up on a six-a-side, we’d always end up on the winning side.
Midfielder: Grant McCann
Just for his wand of a left foot! He was great at set pieces but he did score great goals.
Midfielder: Peter Beagrie
Back in the day, he was phenomenal. He turned defenders inside. I’d put him in there as a golden oldie.
Striker: Paul Hayes
He’s the best striker I’ve played with. He had the best touch. He could bring all the players into play and was superb at assisting other players.
IN THE CHANGING ROOM
Matt provides an overview of what it was like in the Iron dressing room across his two spells with the club.
Loudest player
Peter Beagrie was always loud but you had Andy Crosby who was also loud, commanding from the back. Cliff Byrne on and off the pitch was loud - he wasn’t nice for opponents because he was always in their face. He was a true leader.
Worst dressed
We had a few; Paul Hayes’ gear was shocking back in the day! He would turn up in flares three times too big for him and his son’s trainers. He got a bit of stick from the lads. Even on a night out, it wasn’t great.
Manager’s pet
Cleveland Taylor was a bit of a manager’s pet with Nigel Adkins. You always had to put your arm around Cleveland. He was such a bubbly and happy person
Grumpiest
Probably Grant McCann. He loved a moan up and he was never happy unless he had a pint of Guinness in his hand!
Closest mate
It started off as Nathan Stanton and Lee Ridley but they left the club, then Paul Hayes. Best roommate I’d have as Marcus Williams, as well, because we shared a room for seven years.
Late to training
The last couple of years I was at the club, Hakeeb Adelakun. I’ve never met a player like him who’d rock up two minutes before training. He had so many warnings. He got a good move to Bristol City in the end though.
Most skilful
Etiënne Esajas. I think he was Dutch. He was all left-footed but he came out with some mad stuff. Hakeeb had some great skills on him too.