Voice of the Fans: Biographies

Following the announcement of our first four supporters selected as part of our new Voice of the Fans initiative, we would like to introduce them with a short bio.

Following a strong response from passionate supporters eager to represent the Iron faithful, the club carefully selected four individuals to work closely with senior colleagues and key departments to help shape the matchday experience, strengthen communication between the club and its fanbase, and ensure supporters’ voices are heard in future decision-making processes.

Each brings a unique perspective, commitment, and deep-rooted connection to the club that will help ensure fan views are truly represented across various areas of club operations. The club will share a bio and photograph of each of our representatives in due course, and also ways in which to contact them to voice your ideas, feedback, or issues.

The first group meeting as part of the Voice of the Fans initiative will be scheduled in due course, with details on how supporters can communicate with the four individuals confirmed following this meeting.

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RYAN ASHMORE

I have supported Scunthorpe since 2012, when my grandad took me to my first game aged five. Ever since then the club has been a massive part of my life.

At the beginning of 2024, I started bringing a drum to the games, boosting the atmosphere.

I look forward to being able to represent the younger part of the fanbase of the club. 

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DAVID CROSS

Born in Scunthorpe in 1959 and went to Frederick Gough School and John Leggott College.

First watched the Iron in January 1970 at the Old Showground in FA Cup Third round win versus Millwall. The Iron played in all red then, and the team of the 70s had my hero Nigel Cassidy as striker. Watched the team home and away throughout the 70s and 80s before moving to the Midlands as my career as an Electrical/Electronics Engineer developed (inspired by a period in 79 labouring on the Anchor Medium Section Mill and getting up close to the mill drive electrical systems).

Then came marriage, children and overseas working (Brazil, India, Middle East, Malaysia and finally Australia) which meant following the Iron via faxed copies of newspaper reports, and as technology advanced a posted video to New Delhi of Wembley 1999 play-off final. Then it became easier with satellite TV and digital comms. Now retired, recently a Grandfather, and back in UK some three years ago I have been following the club enthusiastically wanting to witness better times on and off the pitch .

Looking forward now to try and help contribute to the re-establishment of SUFC as a sustainable and successful EFL club. Up the Iron!

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ANDY LEEMAN

Hi, I am Andy Leeman. I am from Scunthorpe and am a third generation life long Iron fan and so have been part of all of the up and downs over the years. No matter whether it is Wembley in the play-off final or Chorley away in the National League North I have been part of the club’s journey. 

My other interests are all types of gardening and I have recently bought a 1993 camper van that requires some TLC. 

I am really excited and proud to be part of this new venture by the club to try to improve communication between the fans and the club. That can only be a good thing. Please get behind this project and get in touch with me or any of the other volunteers with whatever questions or concerns you have and I will do my best to get you an answer. 

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ELOISE NICHOLLS

I've been attending games for over 21 years, starting my journey with my dad, who sparked my love for the sport. Match days became so much more than just football—they were full days spent with friends, creating memories before and after the game. That’s where my passion truly began.

Now, I’m eager to help build that same spirit of unity among fans—bringing people together, strengthening community ties, and making Scunthorpe a place where everyone feels they truly belong.

I believe that every voice matters and everyone should feel empowered to share their thoughts and be heard. I'm also passionate about championing women's roles in football and will continue to advocate for women's voices to be celebrated and supported in the game.

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The Purpose Behind the Initiative

The Voice of the Fans initiative has been created to give supporters a more structured and meaningful role in shaping the future of Scunthorpe United. From feedback on stadium facilities and fan engagement to contributing ideas on community outreach and communication, the selected representatives will be active participants in regular discussions with club officials.

Speaking following the original announcement of the group, Chair and co-owner Michelle Harness said: "Scunthorpe United belongs to its supporters - we’ve said many times, we are merely the current custodians. This programme is about listening, learning, and building a club we can all be proud of, but doing it together through all avenues available. 

“We're excited to welcome our first four representatives and look forward to seeing the positive impact they’ll help create. Having met each of them in recent weeks, we’re confident that each one will bring something different to the table, represents different areas of our fanbase, and have one key thing in common, being passionate to drive us forward and let your voices be heard.

“Along with this initiative, we have also started meeting our supporter groups and engaging with them in how we can support them, and how they can support us. We’re excited to see how those relationships will grow and thrive into the new season. Additionally, we’ve recently had our first meeting with the new football regulator. Their mantra has sustainability and the voice of supporters at the heart of the game’s future, and that’s exactly what we want here.”

The club will continue to grow this group in phases throughout the season, ensuring representation across different ages, backgrounds, and areas of support.

If you’re interested in potentially getting involved in future stages of the Voice of the Fans, please send an application to [email protected].