Shields ready to dig in for the Iron cause

Attacker Sean Shields gave his reaction after completing a move to United from Barnet.

Speaking to Iron Player, he began by saying: “I’m thrilled to be here at such a prestigious club, and it’s a really proud moment for me. I’m delighted and just really looking forward to getting going now."

Discussing how the move came around to join the Iron from a high-flying Bees side, he revealed: “I first heard about it a few days ago, and it was finally agreed in the week. I’ve had my first training session so I’m just eager to get on the pitch now"

Despite the football club currently sitting in the relegation zone, Shields believes the atmosphere around the club is one which is far from it.

“I can only judge it from my first day here, and the atmosphere is great,” he started.

“We’re all hoping the takeover can lead to a revival, and I’m obviously keen to be a big part of that by bringing some energy, mixed with my quality as a player, which I believe in."

“Our ultimate aim as a group is to move out of the relegation zone and secure survival,” he concluded.

Describing himself as a player, Shields said: “I like to be out on the pitch and let my football do the talking.

“In brief, I’m an exciting winger, or I try to be as exciting as possible. I’ve offered a lot of assists over the years, goals as well, and that’s something I’ll be looking to bring to the table. I’ll work my socks off for the team."

“I’m just really looking forward to getting out there now and showing what I can do,” Shields finished.

The 31-year-old has registered 170 National League appearances, across several clubs, in his career so far, bringing vast fifth tier experience to Jimmy Dean’s side.

Speaking on his career, he said: “I’ve racked up quite a few appearances at this level over the last seven-to-eight years.

“I think any team, whether you’re fighting relegation or going for promotion, needs a good blend of youth and experience.

“Hopefully I can come in and help gel the group, along with other players, as we’re all working towards a positive end of the season.

“Talk is cheap. As a group, we know the task at hand and we know it’s going to be tough but I’m for sure ready to dig in and give it my all.”

Shields, who registered 18 league appearances for Barnet this season, reveals the reason he made the switch to North Lincolnshire from a club he possess links with.

“That was my hometown club, so it was great to sign for them in the summer,” he began.

“I personally enjoyed a really good start to the season, and collectively as well as we’d started well, but from November onwards the gaffer tweaked the shape slightly.

“I came out the team initially, and I’d been used more sparingly over the past month or two and I feel that this move shows that I still feel very hungry as a player to play week in week out.

“Other players may have stayed at Barnet because I was still considered a valuable member of the squad.

“Especially with the stage of life I’m in, I’ve just turned 31. Other players might have felt comfortable and wanting to stay in their hometown, but I was eager to get this deal done and I’m buzzing to be a part of Scunthorpe United Football Club.

“I’m looking to come in here and hit the ground running. Obviously, I can’t play on Friday night against Barnet but when I get my chance, I’ll be ready to go.”

Shields does admit that it was still a tough decision to leave his hometown club Barnet, with family reasons playing a part too.

“It did [make it a tough decision to leave Barnet] for family reasons as well. My family and my girlfriend are very pleased for me," he said.

“When such a big opportunity comes up to play for a club like this, you can’t turn it down. But at the same time it is hard because I’m leaving my hometown, in a comfortable family environment, in a group that is thriving and I enjoyed being a part of.

“Ultimately, I want to play ball. I want to play football week in week out and I’m looking to come here and do that, and have a really positive impact on the team and on the group as a whole.”

Hear more from Sean Shields on Iron Player.