Scunthorpe United FC

Iron manager Jimmy Dean has provided an update on the squad ahead of Tuesday night's home game against Altrincham in the Vanarama National League (7.45pm kick-off).

The boss began by talking about the quick turn around of games, saying: “It’s important to get going again and we want to put Saturday (against Eastleigh) right. The first half we were miles off and the second half we huffed and puffed but we couldn’t score. I feel like our luck has got to turn with decisions and with finishing. We need to get going again quickly.” 

Jimmy then spoke about the opposition, who suffered a heavy defeat to Wealdstone at the weekend, adding: “It’s a must win. They’re a difficult opponent and they’re above us in the league, but if we have any ambitions of fighting back and staying up, then we have to win.”

He added: “It’s a Tuesday night and it will be cold. I think it will come down to who wants it the most, and if in our situation we don’t want it more than them, then there are some serious issues. I don’t think that will be the case. In our first six games we’ve lost four, but all four teams are in the play-offs or promotion reckoning, so there needs to be some perspective with that. However, this game is one that we can punch back at, and we have to.” 

Dean reflected further on Saturdays performance, adding: “We haven’t been battered in any games and the scoreline tells you that. Saturday was a shocking first half, there was no intensity or purpose, and the big one was unforced errors as there were many times when the ball went out of play under no pressure. It can’t happen when games mean this much.”

He added: “The boys understand that mindset and mentality won’t help anyone. I don’t think you can be 'expected' to beat teams in the play-offs when you’re second to bottom but there can be an expectancy on this one with the importance and what’s at stake. We’ve got to win.” 

Next, the boss spoke about how training has been since the weekend. He added: “We had our pre-match and I had some time with the boys to tell them my thoughts on where we’re at, where we need to be, and what’s at stake. I feel like there’s been a positive reaction and it felt good around the place, but that needs to become three points now.”

Dean then provided an update on Alfie Beestin who was subbed off just before half-time against Eastleigh, adding: “He’s had his scan but we will find out shortly. He’s going to be a big miss as he’s been one of the real positives since I’ve come in. I think he’s an outstanding player and he works hard, but it provides an opportunity for someone else.”

See more from Jimmy Dean and Richie Bennett on Iron Player.