With this afternoon being our last game of the season, we will once again remember those with Scunthorpe United connections - be it players, supporters, staff or others - who have sadly passed away over the last 24 months.
This has been extended to losses within the Iron family over the course of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons due to the curtailing of last season where were were unable to hold this moment of reflection.
We've welcomed you to submit your requests to be included in this piece over the past couple of weeks and we are inviting everyone watching on iFollow to take part in a period of silence ahead of kick-off, with the names being read out over the PA system over the course of the minute.
We would also like to send our thoughts and condolences to anyone who has lost a family member or friend as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
REMEMBERING IRON CONNECTIONS…
Vice president and former goalkeeper Ray Clemence MBE, making his league debut with the side at 17-years-old making over 50 appearances for the club before Bill Shankly took him to Anfield for £18,000.
Charlie Strong, described as a vital member of United's backroom staff, who held a full-time position at the club for 12 years, which included physiotherapy and being a trainer. His association with the club spanned a total of 26 years.
Archie Irvine spent the final year of his career at Scunthorpe, making 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring his only goal in a 2-1 win over Darlington.
Forward David Harney would enjoy start to life at an Iron player in 1967 making 17 consecutive appearances before a serious injury ended his season. Injury plagued his second campaign at the club too, leaving with just 25 games and one goal to his name in two years.
A player embedded in the Iron’s history books, Barry Mahy. A scorer in the joint record 8-1 win against Luton Town in 1964-65 and the side’s first ever used substitute in the following season, Mahy made 24 appearances and scored two goals in four seasons at the club.
One of the side’s first Football League signings, Len Sharpe passed away recently at the age of 88. The former versatile defender, who was born and bred in the area, made 199 senior appearances for the club, scoring six goals.
Tony Roberts also passed away recently at the age of 74 having represented club and country, although only playing for the Iron at reserve and amateur level. He then opted for a career in teaching, rather than football.
The club sadly learned of the very recent passing of Vice President Dr Brian Heywood, who acted in as the side's Club Doctor from the late-1980s. He was made Vice President of the Iron in October 1989.
YOUR MESSAGES…
Mr Alan Brook passed away aged 55 years old and a lifelong Iron supporter, season ticket holder and one-time programme seller OSG days.
Alan was a loving husband, father and friend to many, although his number one love was always Scunthorpe United. Alan was a kind genuine man and will be missed by many.
Keith Wyer was a lifelong supported of Scunthorpe United and was a season ticket holder for many years. He had a passion for football and was a referee in his younger years.
Ray Dent was a life long Scunthorpe fan, born and raised in the town and used to go to games his entire life all the way up until he physically couldn’t go anymore due to his illness.
Brian Taylor MBE was a lifelong Scunthorpe United supporter. He attended matches regularly when he was younger but latterly due to health reasons wasn't able to attend but always made time to listen to the commentary on the radio.
My Dad, Roger Butler, sadly lost his life to Covid-19 in September 2020 - he had been a supporter for 35 years and lived in Doncaster.
A FULL MEMORIAM…
Alan BROOK, 55
Roger BUTLER, 77
Ian BURTON
John BYWATER
Pete CLAY, 67
Ray CLEMENCE MBE, 72
Ray DENT, 80
Kyle DURNIAN, 18
Edward (Ted) FOWLER, 80
John Paul (Bleb) GRAVIL
David HARNEY, 72
Dr Brian HEYWOOD
Terry HIRD, 72
Keith HOWBRIDGE
Brian Edward HYKE
Archie IRVINE, 74
Clarry JACKLIN, 86
Pam JACKLIN, 84
Jordan LANGTON, 23
Richard LLOYD, 80
Barry MAHY, 78
Stuart Paul MARKHAM
Rocket Ronnie MOORHOUSE
Louie NAYLOR, 1
Jon RAYNER
Tony ROBERTS, 74
Len SHARPE, 88
Charlie STRONG, 98
Brian TAYLOR MBE, 87
Sue WELLS
Wohl WEST
Jason WILMOT, 51
Andy WILSON
Dave WRIGHT
Keith WYER