Archive for tag: Scunthorpe United v Newcastle United.

Any old Iron anyone?

October 20th, 2009 | 13 Comments |

Making a fist of it in The Championship?
Making a fist of it in The Championship?
‘The Iron’ awaits Newcastle United this evening, and no, not the dreaded domestic variety which partners an ironing board, but The Iron of sunny Scunny fame. Scunthorpe, built on one of the largest iron-ore fields in Europe, is home to one of the country’s major steelworks, and the link with iron provides Scunthorpe United with their nickname.

Scunthorpe have been up and down (the various divisions over the years) more than a tart’s knickers, from successful promotion to subsequent relegation the next season, and have yo-yo’d around between divisions one and three.

Moving from their previous home, the Old Showground, to the new purpose built Glanford Park in 1988 was a big step forward for the club. Currently one of the smallest grounds in the Championship with a capacity of 9088, away fans who normally have an allocation of 1678 tickets, are housed in the South stand. Previous high profile players Kevin Keegan and Ray Clemence, both played for Scunthorpe in the late 60’s before leaving for Liverpool.

The 90’s saw two Wembley play off visits for The Iron, and they must have enjoyed their trips to Wembley, which continued on into the last decade. Scunthorpe were League one champions 2006-07, before seeing a break in 2007 from Brian Laws wo had been with them for 10 years. (more…)