Iron first team manager Jimmy Dean has reflected on the week gone by and previewed this weekend's home clash against Torquay United in the Vanarama National League.
The boss began by speaking about the importance of Saturday's fixture, saying: “It’s huge. They all are now but none more so than this. They’ve had a great result on Tuesday and they’ll be coming here to win, and we will be playing to win. It’s set up for a big exciting fixture.”
With both teams needing three points, the game has the potential to be very open. Jimmy spoke about this, saying: “You don’t want it too open. I think defensively we’ve been really good, bar Notts County, but unfortunately we haven’t taken our chances at the other end. It’s set up though with both teams needing to win, and only one can.”
The Iron manager also spoke about Torquay, and ex-Iron striker, Aaron Jarvis, who's had a strong season: “He’s had a good season and I think he was in the England C squad the other week. Frank Nouble has just come in as well and he’s a real handful and still has a bit to offer. They’ve changed their shape in recent weeks and look better for it.”
He added: “It’s a tough one, tougher than playing the mid-table sides with nothing to play for, because they know if they lose they’re potentially down and that flips back to us as well. We both know the importance of the game and there can be no excuses. What bodes well for us is our home form, as we’ve won the last two, so we’ll try to make it three on the bounce at home.”
The boss then provided an update on the team, adding: “Sean Shields is very doubtful, he hasn’t trained Thursday or Friday, which makes it very difficult to involve him. Fin Shrimpton picked up a knock as well and didn’t train on Thursday, but we got him out there on Friday and he got through the session, so we’ve just got to see how he reacts to that now. If he doesn’t start then hopefully we can have him in the squad because he’s a good one to have around. I’m glad he put the armband on the other night when he came on (for Jacob Butterfield), because he represents the people of Scunthorpe and the football club, and that’s what we want.”
Jimmy then elaborated more on Shields' injury, adding: “It was his ankle in the game, but he’s been carrying a heel injury since he came in. I just went into the treatment room and he’s got all kinds attached to his feet. I’ve had it myself and it’s a real painful one. He’s been bearing a lot better today but a football match is completely different. It’s a shame because I think he’s been offering us something. It’s like with (Alfie) Beestin and (Aaron) Chapman though, we just have to get through it.”
Tom Pugh is back in the squad following a recent injury, and the gaffer spoke about the players' return: “He’s trained well over the last two days. He’s a player who can start and impact a game or come off the bench and impact a game. It’s important to have him around.”
Finally, the boss spoke about the Iron's home form and the importance of the fans: “I know some got frustrated that we couldn’t get a goal the other night, it wasn’t through the want of trying. All I can say is stick with us. It’s difficult for everyone concerned, a few years ago no-one would have envisioned us in this situation, but it’s been the situation since before I came through the door. We’re trying to change it and fight, and all I can ask is that you stick with us until the end.”