Remembering those who have passed away over the last 12 months…
With this afternoon being our last home game of the season, we will once again remember those with Scunthorpe United connections - be it players, supporters, staff or others - who have sadly passed away over the last 12 months.
We've welcomed you to submit your requests to be included in this piece over the past couple of weeks and we are inviting everyone at the game to take part in a period of silence ahead of kick-off, with the names being read out over the PA system over the course of the minute.
We would also like to send our thoughts and condolences to anyone who has lost a family member or friend, and hope you can take in the moment of reflection as we celebrate the lives of all those who we have lost ahead of our game today. Thank you for your co-operation.
REMEMBERING IRON CONNECTIONS...
Mel Blyth, who had a one season tenure at Scunthorpe playing 27 times, passed away at the age of 79.
Blyth was born in Norwich and began his career there before spending a year with the Iron in 1967-68 before moving onto Crystal Palace, with whom he was recruited by in 1968. After a six-year spell with the Eagles, Blyth would move on to Southampton where he won the player of the year in his maiden campaign. The conclusion of his career was with numerous non-league sides.
Dickie Rooks, who contributed 14 months of service to the Iron during a managerial spell that would last from the December of 1974 up until January 1976, passed away at the age of 83.
Rooks was born in Sunderland and would go on to play as central Defender for the Black Cats of his native City for eight years. Following this nearby Middlesbrough would splash out a pretty penny for Rooks which led to him ending his extensive career with a four-year stint Bristol City before his journey into management.
Rod Fletcher, often renowned as United’s Kevin Keegan replacement in 1971, passed away at the age of 78.
Fletcher was a teacher and player who carried on both exploits throughout his career and began his playing years with Leeds United in 1962, he would go on to make over 50 appearances for Crewe Alexandra and Lincoln City before joining the Iron in 1971 for 3,000. During his time at Scunthorpe, he would make 98 appearances and would net 30 times.
Ian Hamilton, a long serving player for United, passed away at the age of 55 in September of 2023.
Starting his career at Southampton, Hamilton would go on to join Cambridge United in 1988, however his stint at the Abbey would be a short one as he would join the Iron the same year. In his four-year tenure he would go on to make 145 appearances in the centre of midfield and would score 18 goals.
Former Player Neil Matthews, who had an extraordinary both playing and coaching career, passed away at the age of 55.
Having began his career at local rivals Grimsby, Matthews would go on loan to Scunthorpe in 1985, for whom he would go on to make just the one senior appearance. Furthermore, Matthews would go on to play for a host of local clubs such as Lincoln City and Gainsborough Trinity before joining the coaching staffs of Huddersfield and Bradford following retirement.
YOUR MESSAGES...
> Michael John Lewis of Scunthorpe who died 28th February 2024 aged 76. Mick was a lifelong supporter and season ticket holder until the Covid pandemic.
> Albert Baxter, 82, hometown Bradford but was Iron through and through.
> Terry Rands was an Iron fan all his life. He even asked for his funeral cortage to divert to the ground on its way to Woodlands Crematorium. Missed always but especially on Saturdays.
> Carol Whittingham passed away in December 2023 at the age of 75, she is the reason I am a Scunthorpe supporter and took me to my first game in 2004.
>David Fowler would have been 81 on 26th February 2024 but unfortunately passed away July 12th 2023, born and bred in Scunthorpe when retired to Aberdour Scotland.
> Brian Barnaby had been a devoted Scunthorpe United fan and never missed a game unless he was poorly. His seat number was in the Verikal Stand, number 112.
> Henrietta Cronshaw was a supporter of the Iron for 30 years always standing in the Donny Road End in the same place. She loved a drink in the Iron Bar after the game and she unfortunately died on May 1st, 2023, at the age of 88 years old.
> Michael John Munnelly passed away on March 7th. He had lived in Preston for the last 45 years. He was known to everyone as Scunny Mick! He followed the Iron wherever they played in the North West, I have many memories of visits to a derelict Bloomfield Road, Blackpool in the 80's and 90's. One particular match on Valentine's Day 2014 away at Accrington, 2-0 down at half time. Mick answered a tannoy asking for a qualified referee, and he ended up being 4th official for the second half. He always said that he got plenty of stick off Russ Wilcox, "if only he knew" he'd always say. Unbelievably as Mick held up the board to signal three minutes injury time, David Mirfin pounced to fire home the winner! There stood Mick with his hands in the air celebrating (albeit with the board in his hands!) He got some stick from mates in Preston when he told that story!
Scunthorpe United would like to reaffirm sincere condolences for any member of the Iron Family who has been lost over the course of the last 12 months. Thank you for taking the time to reflect and remember.
A FULL IN MEMORIAM...
Andy ALLEN
Brian BARNABY, 88
Albert BAXTER, 82
Kevin Jon BROOKS, 56
Dave COTTINGHAM
Henrietta CRONSHAW, 88
Roy ELWICK, 77
David FOWLER
Will JACKSON
Bill JONES, 96
Cynthia FENWICK, 94
Malcolm Freeman GRAY, 80
Susan HICKLING, 74
George JICKELLS, 80
Will JACKSON
Bill JONES, 96
Mick LECKEY 75
Michael John LEWIS
Neil MATTHEWS
Shaun MAXWELL, 66
Michael John “Mick” MUNNELY, 62
Phil NELMES, 67
Terry RANDS
Dickie ROOKS, 83
Andrew (Razor) RUDDOCK, 46
Colin SARGESON, 86
Byron WATSON, 86
Dave WEBB, 59
Carol WHITTINGHAM, 75
Millie Rose WOODLEY, 13 Days
