Scunthorpe United will pay tribute to club historian John Staff, who passed away at the end of May, at the age of 75 throughout Saturday's matchday against Marine.
John passed away with his wife Christine and his son John Jr by his side following a short illness. A supporter of the Iron for over 60 years having been born in Wembley, John took an avid interest and gave hours upon hours of his support to the football club, contributing in many ways, and often putting the club at the heart of his plans.
John's work and research on the history of Scunthorpe United paved the way to him publishing a number of books, while he has always taken a keen interest in contributing to the club's programme - with articles he's written already prepared for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons as his legacy continues to live on.
Not only that, supporters will affectionately remember John for his selling of our half-time draw tickets, moving around the stadium in the first half of each game at home, with the "catchphrase" raw chickens adopted by many.
In 2015, the club awarded him one of the 72 Club Hero awards being issued by the EFL, recognising a member of staff, or volunteet, at each of the 72 Football League clubs.
Along with tributing the Systemise Housekeeping half-time draw to his memory, with a new look ticket featuring John on the front, the Iron also placed a page tribute inside the 125th anniversary box brochure, while there's also a page within the club's programme "Unity" paying tribute to the club legend. Furthermore, we continue John's devoted historical writing for the programme. He had completed articles for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, and the club will continue to run his work so that his legacy lives on.
Finally, we would like to invite all supporters to take part in a minute's applause ahead of kick-off to the game. While this deviates from the club's policy of remembering all SUFC associated passings in the final home game of the season, everyone at the club feels that the dedication and longevity of his service to the club deserves special recognition on this occasion.
We would once again like to extend our condolences to all of John's family and friends, and reiterate that matchdays will not be the same without John. A void will be felt throughout an Iron matchday, and he will never be forgotten.
