A week on from the deal to secure Glanford Park being completed, owner Michelle Harness writes a heartfelt thanks to all involved in getting to this stage…
Since coming into the football club in September, we knew what a mountain we had to climb, but we knew that we’d come in having the full backing off the community - the fans, local businesses and the wider football world.
It has been a journey with many stumbling blocks and many challenges along the way, and one we continue to battle each and every day and night, but it’s one we simply couldn’t have achieved without the support we have received.
Without the hard work of Tahina Akther of Wildcat Law to help to secure the future of our beloved home, Glanford Park, we simply would not have got to the stage we are at now. Tirelessly, day and night, the work that has gone in to achieve this monumental milestone should not be forgotten by anyone, and as a club we really appreciate the effort that has gone in to complete in such a short space of time.
Secondly, a big thanks to my vice chair Roj Rahman. He’s been by my side all day every day, as we strived to save the club. We’ve had tough days, we’ve had tears, we’ve had battles, and we’ve had difficulties along the way, but Roj has stuck by me and been there every step of the way, proving to be a massive rock throughout this whole process.
All of the Board of Directors have played their instrumental part in this process too. From George Aitkenhead to Suzi Whitworth, Geoff Gadie to Ian Sharp and Simon Elliott, and the others mentioned prior, the diversity and strength among the group we currently have is invaluable, and will be, going forward as we progress and journey on from this point.
Additionally, without the pivotal involvement from the North Lincolnshire Council, namely having Rob Waltham and Holly Mumby-Croft on board, battling to secure funding to enable us to get our home back, it would not have been possible. Both have worked with us tirelessly throughout the whole process, and they will continue to play a part in building a brighter future for the football club.
The support that we’ve received from you, the fans, is unparalleled. It has been unbelievable and heart warming to see what Scunthorpe United means to everyone, evident by how much people have rallied to do their bit. Right from the Go Fund Me page set-up by Iron Bru and the Iron Hour Podcast, through to the backing of our new Iron Super Draw, whether it’s been donations of £10, £100 or more, each one has played a part in helping us get to this stage.
That also extends to all of the businesses, companies, groups and individuals that have backed us through sponsorship, taking packages and generally getting in touch to see how to help. Not just donations, but a number of businesses have offered their services - and we will continue to call upon a number to assist us where maintenance is required. We may have secured our home, but we must invest in it’s future where we can, while attempting to get back on track with the heavy levels of debt that have been left for us to conquer.
We are at a stage that appeared unachievable 10 weeks ago, but we had to come in and attempt to put the Iron back on track. There wasn’t a chance that we were going to sit there and do nothing. Wanting to bring Glanford Park back to the supporters, and the community, is why we stood up in the first place. 10 weeks on, the progress we’ve made has been significant, but we are far from safety. We tackle the debt day-by-day, but must continue to heavily rely on all of your support. Whether it’s donations, purchasing merchandise, sponsorship or coming to support us, we genuinely do need it to be able to continue to survive.
I reserve a final thanks to the hard-working people behind the scenes at the football club. On the pitch, Jimmy, his staff and the players continue to thrive with their new-found freedom to perform, and off it, the graft continues to drive this great football club forwards, and help it achieve the success it once did. Without singling out individuals too much, I do want to acknowledge the dedication of James Moody behind the scenes. He’s there day in, day out as support to the Board and I, while taking on the longest job title I’ve seen. He is regularly the last one out of Glanford Park, works into the night and epitomises everything that is positive at the football club, and I know from reading comments online how much he is valued by the fans. I genuinely believe that, without his commitment and determination, there would not have been a football club for us to have the opportunity to come in and save.
We all know Rome wasn’t built in a day, but the ethics of the people we have representing Scunthorpe United, and the willingness to succeed, will help us continue to move in the right direction.
As we head towards the festive period and the end of 2023, we must take stock of the calendar year we’ve experienced, but from our point of view, we must now solely look forward. Everything we do moving into 2024 must have a focus on making the club sustainable, something we are striving for every day, and we can only do that with your help.
The hard work from us will always continue. We are buoyed by the backing we receive and the rewards that have been reaped from the last 10 weeks. We have a football club to be proud of, we have our home back, and protected within the community, and now we must continue on our journey to safeguard the future of Scunthorpe United so it’s not just us that can create memories, but for generations and generations to come.
Continue to get behind Jimmy and the lads, like you always have. We look forward to Friday night against Solihull Moors, and I’m sure you’ll be there to get behind the team and help to try and make it another special night under the lights at our home.
Up the Iron!
Michelle Harness