Afternoon, Iron fans.
Two weeks into the season and three very different games. Firstly, an excellent home win versus Yeovil Town, then a topsy-turvy 3-2 loss at Maidenhead and a disappointing defeat at Woking. Three games in is not the time to make definitive conclusions. I believe we will strengthen the squad further and adapt accordingly to the dynamic of this league. As stated previously, there are no transfer windows in the National League so this gives us an opportunity to assess our needs moving forward, potentially after August 31st.
The game tomorrow pitches us against one of the National League favourites and third place finishers last season, Solihull. A tough challenge for sure, but with the backing you gave Keith and the lads versus Yeovil a game we can win!
We have a number of ticket offers available for tomorrow’s game, with key worker discounts, grassroots groups and also free family visits. We are trying to make live football more accessible and improve our fan experience off the pitch. With your help and support we can all work together to provide a proper matchday experience. Local singer and Iron fan Paul Stapleton will be playing live from 1.45pm and the food outlets will be open early, so come on down to GP and get behind your club.
Former club captain Chris Hope will be speaking in the restaurant from 2.00pm. Hopey is an absolute legend, lifting the play-off trophy at Wembley and playing over 300 games for the Iron. Hopey had a heart like a lion and played an amazing 177 consecutive games for SUFC, in my opinion that record will never be beaten. A few places are still available so contact sales@scunthorpe-united.co.uk.
Positive meetings with local food outlets, including The Smoking Goat, have given us some ideas and valued input to stage events here at GP. We want to engage with our local community and try and create a community hub here. We want a diverse and invested fan base to share ideas and thoughts with us.
Looking ahead to Halifax, our guest is Martyn Woolford, another diamond! Wooly is a Wembley winner versus Millwall and scored the decisive goal in our 3-2 win.
Glyn Sparks joined our commercial department this week. Glyn is Iron through and through and will provide energy and commitment within the office. Glyn is the partnership sales manager and as we know has another prominent role at the club. Welcome Glyn, a great addition in my opinion
After discussions with members of the Youth Board, we have decided to open 'The Corner'. We need you to support these initiatives and make it work! I have asked for 60 ticket paying supporters to make it viable. Bring your flags and your voices to the corner and get it bouncing again! I’m available in my office from 12.30pm until 1pm on Saturday for Youth Board members or potential members to drop in and see me and Neil Wright.
A meeting is also planned with our Community Champions on Tuesday morning. I’ve had a brilliant response from a wide and diverse demographic which is really encouraging, thank you.
I've also had meetings with a couple of our supporters' groups representatives. Firstly with The Iron Trust's Tony Gosling and John Needham, and then with long-term Winterton Iron members Dave Thomas and Brian Edwards discussing future joint ventures which will hopefully benefit the football club, plus retain and expand links with our fans groups.
Another thank you for the amazing response from the business sector promoting Scunthorpe United by advertising our upcoming games. Some potential sponsorships have also emerged from this work. We need to keep up the good work off the pitch and keep our foot on the gas. Please email glyn.sparks@scunthorpe-united.co.uk if you want to get involved.
Get behind Keith and the team, you can make a difference, we can move our great club forward and we will work hard together to achieve!
Finally, I'd like to thank all the supporters for travelling to Maidenhead and Woking. Your support is much appreciated.
UTI
Lee