Richie Bennett on aiming to prove a point on his Iron return

Forward Richie Bennett returns to Glanford Park with a point to prove, and is aiming to assist in the aspirations of success in the 2023-24 season.

The 32-year-old signed for the club last week following a few weeks training with Jimmy Dean’s side, as he surrounded himself in the winning mentality installed by the squad so far in this campaign.

Speaking ahead of the home game against Buxton, he said: “It feels good. Compared to last year when I came in to now is a massive difference - the standard of training, the fans, the staff and the complete vibe around the place.

“The reception I got on Tuesday night, and to see the fans back at it, getting behind the team and cheering, it was nice to get out there and get the three points and clapping the fans was brilliant.

“The lads that have been brought in are a massive improvement on last year. You can see what the club is aiming to do and where we want to go with it. A club like Scunthorpe should be up there. It’s a step in the right direction - we’ve started off really well, and hopefully we can keep building on that throughout the season.”

Asked about the disappointment of last season, the former Barrow frontman has looked back on how his previous spell, on loan, panned out.

“I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on it during the out season,” he continued. 

“I had a bad injury (earlier last season) and was out for four or five months with that. It probably took a couple of months to get back into the groove of things. I had an opportunity to come here and get some game time. I’ve reflected on a lot of things, especially with the fans, and every player wants to be loved at a club, whether they’re playing or not.

“If I upset any fans, I apologise. I want to move forward and I want to bring what I can to the club. Hopefully going forward, the fans can get behind me, along with all the players and the whole club because it can only be beneficial for the club to get the best out of everyone.

“You’re always wanting to prove a point wherever you go. There are always people doubting you or wanting you to not do well. Every player has to deal with that across their career. It’s completely different this year. I’m looking forward to getting started again. 

“Hunger is always there for me. Last year, I didn’t feel like I was the best version of myself, the mentality probably wasn’t there, and I didn’t add what I felt I could have. I know I could have scored more goals. Reflecting out of the season, personally I underachieved.

“Hopefully this year will be completely different and the fans get behind us, and we can move on, move forward and get the club back to where it should be.”

Speaking on the team, and more specifically Danny Elliott and Danny Whitehall, he knows it will be hard to get into the team following their prolific start to the season, but he’s eager to contribute in any way he can.

“They’re doing unbelievable,” he stated. 

“The team, including the subs, are playing a part, which is what you need. You need a strong squad to get promoted, and I’m sure the gaffer is more than happy with how it’s going.

“They (both Dannys) both could be playing higher, we all know that. All of this team could be playing higher. We’ve all seen something here, with the fans, with the club, and know where Scunthorpe should be. Everyone is driving the club forward.”

Finishing the interview with his fitness levels, having had the chance to train with the team in recent weeks, and doing a lot away from a football environment, Bennett is confident he can hit the ground running if given an opportunity.

“I feel completely different,” he added. 

“I’ve done a lot of training and a lot of running in the off season. Mentally, I feel in a lot better place. Hopefully, I can be the best version of myself this year for Scunthorpe and the fans. 

“I already feel a lot more settled than I did last year.”