Football Season Review

It was another desperate season for Scunthorpe United, who secured their Football League status by the narrowest of margins. Owner Peter Swann’s lack of patience with managers has seen the side slip ever closer to non-league football and they were fortunate there were two teams worse than them in League 2 this season. The latest man in the hot-seat is Neil Cox, and Swann did at least allow him to complete a full season in charge, something that was denied to his predecessors. Cox can count himself lucky given the form of the team, which was appalling for the most part. They made a desperate start and relegation looked likely until a mid-season renaissance saw the side climb away from the bottom. They were never convincing however and they finished the season as they started it, winning just one of their last 16 league matches. Cox will point to a never-ending stream of injuries in mitigation, although last summer's recruitment left a lot to be desired, leaving a bloated squad lacking in quality. It was a breakthrough season for left-back Mason O’Malley whilst Ryan Loft led the line well. Jem Karacan’s arrival in January provided some much needed experience in the middle of the park whilst Alex Gilliead was the standout performer in the midfield three. The club are on a downward spiral and both Swann and Cox need to do a lot better next season.

Player of the Season: Ryan Loft