Scunthorpe United boss Jimmy Dean has reflected on the Iron’s 2-0 home defeat to Oldham Athletic, which confirmed our relegation to the National League North.
Goals from Devarn Green and a Bassala Sambou penalty condemned United’s fate at Glanford Park, with just three games now remaining until the end of the campaign.
Reflecting on what he felt was an even encounter, Dean began: "I thought it was a tight game. I thought on the balance of it we edged it to be honest with you. One ball from the goalkeeper and the lad has won the flick and we have switched off.
Speaking out on our relegation to the sixth tier of English football, the 40-year-old said: "It’s a tragic moment for the club. I have got a feel for it since I have been in and around it and again, I am gutted for the fans and I apologise to them.
"It is one where I promise that we are going to be in a lot better shape next season. We are going to look to bounce straight back up.
"These last few games still mean a lot to a lot of people and I just said in there that today was a lot better than it has been. It was better than it had been in the previous two and we just have to try and pick up some points between now and the end of the season.
"Ultimately, we haven't been good enough, like I said last week. I have made my mistakes and we have been unfortunate at times as well. I spoke about the mentality at the club and the way it felt when I came in and we really have to work hard to change that next season.
"I see next year as an opportunity to spin the club around and start winning some games, start pushing in the right direction again as it is obvious Scunthorpe should not be playing at that level."
With midfield duo Dean Rance and Liam Thompson both missing from the Iron’s matchday squad this afternoon, the United boss provided an update on the pair following the full-time whistle.
"[They were both] injured," Dean said. "We have Mase [O’Malley] back and I thought he did well and held his own there in midfield. Rancey and Thommo are injured, and Pughy [Tom Pugh] is suspended. It makes it difficult but Mase did well and Fin [Finley Shrimpton] also did well.
"Rancey’s struggling, he had an injury when he came in and we both thought it had cleared up but it hadn’t and it has affected his performances. Subsequently, that affects our performances and it’s unfortunate that it hasn’t gone.
"He’s going to see a specialist tomorrow and he might be involved here and there for a few minutes but I think it's unlikely now, to be honest. Thommo has had a pull in his groin and we were hoping he would be alright for Friday, but having missed the two, it's a tough one to take. Hopefully, he will be available for the last three games."
With all focus now swiftly turning to a huge summer in terms of our recruitment and preparation for the 2022/23 campaign, the Iron boss issued some stark home truths about the kind of people he wants at the football club.
"It’s a huge summer and a big year," he began. "We’ve got to get the football club in the right direction, there has been some huge clubs and there have been some huge clubs in there over the years.
"Unfortunately, now it's our turn and we have to get together and make something positive come out of it, these horrible last few years.
"They have to be boys that want to be here and that’s important. There have been a few that have had their eyes looking another way which is part of football. We need boys who want to be here and want to play for Scunthorpe next season."