Loan watch: Shrimpton reflects on loan experience at Grantham

Finley Shrimpton, who is currently out on loan to Grantham Town until January, has discussed his experiences away at the Gingerbreads so far.

The 19-year-old Bottesford-born midfielder has already accumulated 17 appearances for the Northern Premier League Premier Division side this season, who sit 22nd after 22 matches.

Speaking to Scunthorpe-United.co.uk about the loan stint, Shrimpton said: “It’s been good for me. I train Tuesday and Thursday with them, and after a few games I got to know the lads fairly quickly and you get pretty comfortable. 

“For the majority of games I’ve played, I’ve played 90 minutes in. Being out on-loan at Grantham has been really good for my fitness, it’s also given me more understanding of men’s football. Although it has been hard, as results haven’t really gone our way so far. It’s definitely given me a different point of view and I think it’s been good for myself.”

Midfielder Shrimpton added: “For the majority of games I’ve played centre midfield, but I have been chucked in at centre half a few matches and I thought I did alright. 

“You play against some big big men in this league who just want to fight you, and at times I think I’ve done well against them considering I’m not playing in my own position.”

When speaking of the importance of playing regular men’s football on-loan, he said: “In my first year, me and Charlie (Barks) went to Frickley and it ended due to Covid. It’s hard training every week without an end goal but when you’re with a club on-loan you look forward to that Saturday and you prepare for it. It prepares you for later football life."

Finley has picked up six yellow cards so far this season. Though he has admitted some may not have been necessary, he believes it’s just a byproduct of his passion as a player.

He stated: “I know a few people around the club will think that they’re stupid ones, (media executive and qualified referee James) Moody especially, he gave me a few when I was in the youth team! (*laughing*)

“But I think a few of them have been good yellows, in terms of some that I’ve had to do, while there are some that are avoidable. I like to think that I do put myself about and get stuck in for the team."

In August, Shrimpton experienced his senior debut for the Iron against Manchester City Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy group stages.

The midfielder agreed that it has made him hungrier to experience more with the Iron, adding: “I was over the moon, I even made my debut on my birthday. I grew up watching Scunny and I’m from Scunny, so it was a good milestone for me.

“I want to try kick-on and get a few more if I can and see just what the future brings.”

Talking more about the Iron, Shrimpton also discussed the importance of survival and his thoughts on new manager Keith Hill, continuing: “It’s very important (EFL survival) for Scunthorpe, as a small town. The new gaffer has come in and we look like we’re making a turn."