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Broughy · 20-06-08, 03:44 PM

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Sunday 8th July

YOUNG MANAGER THROWN IN AT THE DEEP END
Scunthorpe United today announced the appointment of their new manager who will be charged with the task of keeping the Iron in the Football Championship this season. Relatively unknown local manager James Brough was a surprise choice having little experience of managing a professional club. Brough has had spells with local semi-professional teams, Brigg Town and Gainsborough but this will surely be a tougher challenge with most pundits expecting Scunthorpe to struggle to stay in the division, let alone make any impression towards to higher reaches of the league. Speculation is rife as to whether the current backroom staff will remain in employment with the club as Brough has gained a reputation for doing things his own way, Iron chairman Steve Wharton commented, “James was not an obvious choice as manager of our football club, but we believe his no nonsense attitude to management could well be the catalyst for a great season”. At a press conference Brough was relatively quiet but made it clear that he was looking forward to taking control of the club and added, “I have a reputation for bringing in players who are capable of doing the job required of them, if any of my players are not capable of doing that, then I will have no hesitation in moving them on to another team who will appreciate their services.”
Rumours have instantly surfaced that some of the older members of the playing staff may not remain at the club for much longer. The Iron kick off their pre-season friendlies against Notts County next Saturday, free bus transport will be available provided by the club so fans can catch their first glimpse of manager James Brough and his team at Meadow Lane. All enquiries should be directed to the clubs ticket office.

**ChrisA** · 20-06-08, 03:53 PM

great start mate KUTGW

Broughy · 20-06-08, 04:10 PM

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Sunday 15th July

BUSY FIRST WEEK FILLED WITH DISHARMONY

James Brough may have only been in charge for a week but he is certainly making his presence felt, Brough was confronted on Monday with Marcus Williams request for an increased wage which he was unable to get under former manager Nigel Adkins. Brough dealt with the situation well by challenging Williams to earn his pay-rise, however things did not go well from there on.
Talks have been continuing with Ian Baraclough regarding his position as the clubs assistant manager, the 36 year old has been removed from the position by Brough but will continue as a player at the club for the foreseeable future. Others have not been as lucky however as veteran centre back Andy Crosby and midfielder Kevin Horlock have been transfer listed with the opportunity for other clubs to discuss contracts with them for no transfer fee at all. Brough has dismissed approaches this week for two of the clubs most promising players, Plymouth Argyle were given a definite ‘No’ when they asked about the availability of Matt Sparrow and Tony Pulis was given an identical response when he attempted to lure young Irish winger Ian Morris to the Britannia Stadium.
Rumours surrounding Brough’s first acquisition have also been rife, most linking the Iron with a move for a central midfielder, possibly from a League One club. Fans will more than likely judge the new man in charge on the strength of his dealings in the transfer market, at least until the Iron kick off their Championship season at Cardiff in August.

MATCH REPORT

Scunthorpe United looked good in Brough’s first game in charge, beating Notts County 2-1 in what could have easily been a drubbing by the Iron had they put all their chances away. Kevan Hurst opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a close range effort from the aftermath of a Matt Sparrow free kick. Spence Weir-Daley got on the score sheet for Notts County before Paul Hayes slid home the winning goal from a narrow angle in the 83rd minute. In an otherwise unremarkable match Hayes was the brightest spark creating chance after chance for himself and United fans will be hoping that by the time the season comes around the 23 year old, enjoying his second spell with the club will be a lot more lethal in front of goal.

**WozzaWolves** · 20-06-08, 05:36 PM

Nice story so far mate. Try different fonts for the headlines though :D

**John10** · 20-06-08, 06:36 PM

looks like a good start to your story broughy, looking forward to see the next installment

Broughy · 20-06-08, 07:48 PM

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Sunday 22nd July

“SETH IS THE MAN TO KEEP US UP”

Strong words from Iron manager James Brough after securing the services of former Derby player Seth Johnson, the midfield general is currently suffering from an injury and probably won’t pull on a United shirt until late September but this hasn’t stopped Brough pointing out that Seth Johnson could be the key to United’s survival this season, “Seth is quality player and his tough tackling and ridiculous work ethic means he will give the squad something it was lacking….fight. The players want to stay in the Championship but maybe this signing will let them know how serious I am about survival and maybe have one or two of them thinking about their place in the team.” Brough seemed nonchalant in his manner and approach to the press conference, preferring to concentrate on the playing staff and results on the pitch, he doesn’t seem to be a fan of the press. Johnson joins the Iron initially on a two year contract although if Brough is not successful in keeping Scunthorpe up, there is no doubt that Johnson will be on the shopping lists of many clubs.

MATCH REPORT

Fans of Scunthorpe United we’re happy to see their side secure a 1-0 win against arch rivals Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night at Glanford Park. Another solid performance at the back from Ezomo “Izzy” Iriekpen at the back ensured that the result of this even game went in Scunthorpe’s favour. Martin Paterson finished off a nice team move from close range, slotting it past experienced goalkeeper Neil Sullivan.

Sunday 29th July

NEW BOY IS A HIT

Scunthorpe fans we’re praising the judgment of their manager this week after he dipped into the clubs funds to bring in Adam Chambers from Leyton Orient. Chambers is a central midfield player but can be utilized in other roles, one of the main reasons Brough gave at the press conference for signing him, “Adam is a great player and his determination to succeed is something I am looking for in the rest of my squad”. Scunthorpe fans are drooling at the prospect of a central midfield partnership of Chambers and Johnson who Brough previously acquired on a free transfer. “Johnson and Chambers is something I am very excited about” stated Brough, adding “at the moment I am just keen to get the best out of my squad and the players I have available, we will assess the situation with Seth when he recovers.” The deal to bring Chambers to Glanford Park is thought to be around the £200,000 mark, with extra cash going to Leyton Orient based on Chambers appearances in the first team.

MATCH REPORTS

Mixed feelings surround the Iron camp this week after a flurry of activity on the pitch. Glamorous Italian side Fiorentina we’re the visitors last Sunday and despite creating several chances Scunthorpe we’re beaten by 3 first half goals and never looked like testing the former giants of Italian football.
Wednesday saw the arrival of Nottingham Forest to Glanford Park, Jim Goodwin impressed for the Iron putting in a tenacious performance in the centre of the park and a solid performance from Grant McCann as a second half substitute we’re the only positives from a dreary game which ended in a goalless draw.
Glanford Park was surrounded by a buzz of excitement following the arrival of Adam Chambers on Friday and Saturday saw him make his first appearance in the Claret and Blue as Leeds made the short trip across Yorkshire to face Scunthorpe. A less than exciting first half however as Chambers struggled to get used to the United style of play, however after the break he was a different player and the fans got a glimpse of his ability when he struck home from 25 yards to score the only goal of the game in the 48th minute.

**liveru** · 20-06-08, 09:19 PM

This is quite a good story mate.

The only thing I'd complain about is the burgandy font. But that's just me.

Keep up the good work.

Broughy · 20-06-08, 09:25 PM

scunthorpe play in claret and blue, i'll switch it up and do it in the blue colour of the kit soon.

**liveru** · 20-06-08, 09:27 PM

It's up to you mate. I'm the only one's that's moaned about the colour so far so just leave me to it.

Broughy · 20-06-08, 11:33 PM

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

5th August

BROUGH BOLSTERS BACKROOM

Iron boss James Brough has welcomed more new arrivals to the club this week, strengthening his non-playing staff. Monday saw the arrival of Les Briley from Millwall to join the coaching staff and Jeff Shaw was handed a contract as a Scout for the club. The telegraph has since learned that Shaw is a long-time friend of Brough having worked together previously at smaller clubs. The 35 year old is thought to have an eye for emerging young talent and Brough will no doubt be utilizing this as he looks to secure the long term future of the Iron.
In another piece of business, Brough has brought in Jordan Rhodes on a season long loan contract from divisional rivals Ipswich, the 17 year old striker is set to have a bright future in the game and Brough is keen to provide some first team experience for the youngster in the hope that he can repay him with some goals. “I like Jordan, he is a good kid and his work rate is through the roof, hopefully he can get amongst the goals while he is here and if he impresses then we may talk to Ipswich about a permanent deal.” Brough said to our reporter outside the training ground on Friday.
In other news the draw for the League Cup First Round will see League Two side Morecambe make the trip to Glanford Park on 15th August and the Iron are expected to record an easy victory.

MATCH REPORT

Scunthorpe travelled to Field Mill to take on League Two side Mansfield this week and it only took 13 minutes for new boy Adam Chambers to get on the score sheet once again completing a good team move and finishing from close range. Then on 32 minutes, Martin Paterson received the ball into feet with his back to goal and swivelled expertly to lose his marker and fire home past the Mansfield keeper who stood no chance. The rest of the match fizzled out with plenty of half chances for the travelling Iron players but to no avail as the game ended 2-0.

12th August

IRON STRUGGLE AGAINST CARDIFF

A Steve Marlet brace either side of half time was enough to send travelling Scunthorpe fans home with a sick feeling in their stomachs after watching their side put up little resistance against the team from the welsh capital. It could have been a different story however, had Paul Hayes kept his cool and slotted home a penalty in the third minute rather than firing it at the legs of Peter Enckelman. The penalty was awarded after Darren Purse brought down Martin Paterson inside the area. Defeat in the first league game has brought the Iron fans back to reality after the recent buzz that James Brough has created with his transfer dealings. This result has not stopped Brough however who appears convinced that the club needs more firepower upfront and has revealed he will be looking into the possibility of signing a striker before the transfer window closes.

**John10** · 20-06-08, 11:37 PM

ohhhh hard luck with the loss mate but hope you get the strikers you want :)

kutgw

Broughy · 20-06-08, 11:58 PM

19th August

LEAGUE CUP TRIUMPH FOR BROUGH’S MEN

Scunthorpe fans can celebrate this week after dumping Morecambe out of the League Cup on Wednesday night at Glanford Park, but celebrations are expected to be short-lived after Friday’s draw saw the Iron handed a tough 2nd round tie against Premiership opposition in the shape of Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa side. A pair of goals from striker Paul Hayes and a Martin Paterson finish from a tight angle have given United a lucrative opportunity to play giant killers this season should they be able to get a result when Villa visit Glanford Park in a few weeks time. The only blip on an otherwise solid performance from Scunthorpe was a poor backpass from Andy Butler which allowed Morecambe attacker Michael Twiss to round keeper Joe Murphy and finish into an empty net.

Yesterday also saw the Iron travel across the Pennines to face Preston in a Championship fixture. A Brett Ormerod header on 83 minutes was enough to see Brough’s men endure a disappointing coach trip home. A surprisingly upbeat Brough praised the team, “We created plenty of chances but unfortunately we just didn’t have the personnel up there to finish them off.” These words have strengthened the recent rumours linking Brough with a move for Billy Mehmet.

26th August

MEHMET DEAL IS A NO-GO

James Brough has categorically denied reports that Scunthorpe United will approach St Mirren regarding the services of their striker Billy Mehmet. Brough recently made the trip over the border to watch a midweek St Mirren game and concluded that Mehmet was just not clinical enough. “Billy has certain qualities as a striker but unfortunately he doesn’t appear to be a natural finisher, I want to bring someone in who will get amongst the goals and I don’t think Billy is the man to do that.” With the transfer deadline approaching, Brough will have to show all his guile if he is to secure a front man by Friday who can play alongside Paul Hayes on a regular basis.

MATCH REPORT

Glanford Park played host to its first Championship game of the season yesterday as Scunthorpe took on Plymouth. An uneventful match was interrupted in the 63rd minute when Rory Fallon escaped from Andy Butler and headed home through the hands of Joe Murphy. Much to the disgust of Ezomo Iriekpen who felt that Fallon had strayed offside. In a post match interview Brough did not mince his words stating, “Izzy has every right to be upset, I think the lad was definitely offside and the whole club is very upset about this. I’m looking at the bigger picture however and there will be times throughout the season when decisions will go our way too.” This latest defeat see’s the Iron deep in relegation trouble at this early stage of the season having yet to pick up a point.

2nd September

BROUGH HAS ‘SHARP’ BUSINESS SKILLS

Iron fans are on cloud nine this weekend after watching Billy Sharp return to the club only several months after leaving for Sheffield United. James Brough managed to negotiate a deal to bring last seasons top scorer back to Glanford Park on a season long loan, it is rumoured that a telephone conversation between Sharp and United left back Marcus Williams was the catalyst for the move that will hopefully provide the much needed goal supply that Scunthorpe have been lacking.
In a surprise move Brough also swooped for Lee Trundle and was able to do so for £250,000. The 30 year old striker is famous for his ability to find the back of the net and his experience will bolster a young front line and should ensure that Scunthorpe’s worrying lack of goals will hopefully be over. Bristol City did not attempt to keep Trundle who was under contract, in fact Trundle came to an agreement with his former club who will pay him a percentage of his previous wage until his old contract expires.
Brough completed his deadline day theatrics by bringing in young Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone on loan until the end of the season, with most believing the Italian will simply be a back up should anything happen to first choice keeper Joe Murphy.

DEADLINE DAY PRESS CONFERENCE

S.E.T: Mr Brough, you seem to have left it late bringing in these three players with so little time remaining, why?
J.B: I didn’t want to settle for a player that wasn’t going to fit into my plans, I had to make sure that I got the right players to do the job.
S.E.T: Most fans are delighted to see Billy Sharp return to the club, how did this come about?
J.B: Sometimes you need luck, and this was a stroke of luck. Some of the lads have kept in touch with Billy since he moved and I overheard Marcus [Williams] on the phone to him after training yesterday. I must apologise to Marcus, after grabbing the phone from him and talking to Billy I dropped his phone in my rush to get into the office and sort out this deal, but I am delighted that Billy is here for the season and I’m sure it won’t be long before he is celebrating his first goal for us.
S.E.T: It seems the squad has gone from having a lack of firepower to possibly a situation of ‘too many cooks..’ what are your thoughts?
J.B: I guess you are referring to my decision to sign Lee [Trundle]. Well I’m not going to justify that, hopefully Lee will be able to do that for me. His experience and proven record for goals should speak for itself.

VILLA PROVE TOO STRONG FOR IRON

A staggering 9000 fans watched on with grim faces as Scunthorpe United we’re dealt an early cup exit at the hands of Aston Villa on Wednesday night. Paul Hayes managed to get himself on the score sheet twice for Scunthorpe, his first effort the result of some superb wing play by Kevan Hurst, and his second a spectacular set piece as Chambers laid the ball off for Hayes to rifle into the top corner from 25 yards. O’Neill’s men we’re more than equal however and managed to grab goals through Luke Moore (2), Stilyan Petrov and Zat Knight, leaving the bumper crowd slightly disappointed as hopes of a giant killing faded fast and we’re quickly forgotten as the damage limitation began.

FIRST POINT FOR UNITED

Saturday saw Hull make the short trip across the Humber Bridge and many fans we’re gearing up for a heated game as the rivals always had a certain animosity towards each other. The match will probably be remembered for a wonder goal from Hull’s veteran Jay-Jay Okocha, with the game level at 1-1 through a Richard Garcia header for the visitors and a reply from Jim Goodwin just before half time, Okocha picked up the ball 40 yards from goal, after a quick one-two the Nigerian moved into a more threatening position on the edge of the box and curled a magnificently placed shot into the top corner that no keeper would have saved. Scunthorpe pulled level once more though, through Jonathan Forte who was in the right place at the right time after Lee Trundle had his shot saved from close range. United picked up their first point of the season but remain bottom of the table.

**liveru** · 21-06-08, 08:12 AM

I'm really enjoying reading this story.

Unlucky with the loss against Preston. I'm not sure that luck came into against Villa though, lol.

I think Trundle should be awesome for you. He's always been brilliant for me on FM in the Championship so you should have a good goalscorer on your hands.

Keep up the tremendous work.

Broughy · 21-06-08, 10:48 AM

cheers mate, i am enjoying writing it.

Actually found myself looking at the back page of the Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph today for inspiration.

Broughy · 24-06-08, 12:04 PM

Scunthorpe Evening Telegraph

Sunday 9th September

MORRIS HAS ITCHY FEET

Ian Morris stunned Iron fans this week by announcing he wishes to move to a bigger club. The news is a blow for his manager who see’s Morris as an integral part of Scunthorpe’s survival this season. The news comes after rumours linking Morris with a move to divisional rivals Stoke, a move which Morris himself has suggested would be in his best interests. With Stoke looking like genuine promotion contenders this season could the lure of Premiership football next season be too much to resist for Morris?
“Ian is a real talent, and he is fully aware that with his ability he could be performing on a bigger stage. Here at Scunthorpe we are looking for players who are commited to the club and until Ian comes to me and tells me he wants out, he is a Scunthorpe United player and will remain as such.” commented Brough.
Many fans expect to see several clubs making a move for Morris in the January window but everyone remains hopeful he will stay at Glanford Park for the foreseeable future.

Sunday 16th September

SHARP LIFTS IRON TO FIRST LEAGUE WIN

Scunthorpe lifted themselves out of the relegation zone this weekend picking up a 3-0 win over fellow relegation candidates Colchester. Sharp looked lively early on and in the 7th minute his shot was deflected into the path of Paul Hayes who rifled it home from 6 yards. Sharp and Hayes linked up well for the Iron’s second goal of the game as Hayes flicked on a Kevan Hurst throw in with his head straight into the path of his strike partner and Sharp almost broke the net from close range. Sharp scored again before the break, beating the struggling defender to the ball after Hurst crossed from deep. He could have had a hat trick had he not seen his effort rattle the crossbar with 20 minutes to go in the game. Marcus Williams had to be stretchered off after twisting his ankle and is expected to be out for at least 3 weeks. This is bad news for Iron fans but the news that the team have moved up to 19th in the league is sure to soften the blow.

Sunday 23rd September

DISAPPOINTING WEEK FOR IRON

Iron Striker Paul Hayes got on the score sheet but missed a penalty.

Scunthorpe found themselves on the wrong end of some controversial refereeing decisions this week, none more controversial than Andy D’Urso awarding visitors QPR a penalty in the 6th minute which Martin Rowlands dispatched into the bottom corner. Brough was furious with D’Urso feeling that Iriekpen had not made contact with QPR striker Rowan Vine. D’Urso confirmed his removal from Brough’s Christmas card list on 28 minutes when he disallowed a Paul Hayes goal for a foul on the goalkeeper which Brough described as “a fair challenge, Paul went up with the intention of heading the ball and he did that”. A disallowed goal for the visitors may have been the referee’s attempt to redeem himself but Brough saw it as a far easier decision as he stated, “the lad, Fuller, went in at Joe [Murphy] with his elbow leading, Joe was lucky not to be injured.” Paul Hayes bagged a goal just before half time with a near post header from a corner and United went into the break level despite Andy D’Urso’s best efforts. The momentum changed when Paul Hayes went down in the box and after having a long look at it the man in the middle awarded a penalty to the home team. As is Scunthorpe’s luck at the minute however, Hayes found his spot kick saved by Lee Camp, Hayes has now failed to convert twice from the spot this season. The visitors took the lead soon after through an Akos Buszaky strike which Joe Murphy could do nothing about, but the drama was not over as Billy Sharp looked like a man possessed chasing every loose ball in his attempts to square the game once more. After seeing his curling effort come back off the post in the 88th minute United fans could have been forgiven for thinking it was over, but Sharp had other plans and his injury time strike into the top corner was well worthy of a point for the home side. After the game an exhausted Billy Sharp was examined by the clubs medical team and found to have a bruised rib.

AWAY DAY MISERY AS BROUGH LOSES CONTROL

James Brough will have been relieved to see that Andy D’Urso was nowhere to be seen as the team coach arrived at Vicarage Road yesterday to take on an in-form Watford side. The Iron managers relief was short lived when yet another man in black awarded a penalty against his side. John Eustace converted from the spot in the 3rd minute to give Watford an early lead. Lee Trundle, deputising for the injured Billy Sharp managed to level the match on 81 minutes with a low drive from the edge of the box but yet again, a usually quiet Brough had something to say in the post match press conference after Darius Henderson headed Watford to victory deep into injury time, his 94th minute header came a whole minute and a half after the scheduled 2 minutes of added time had expired. Brough stated, “I am deeply upset that the referee’s have cost us a win against QPR and a draw today. I have no idea where that added time came from as there were no injuries and only 3 substitutions in the second half.”
Brough was today issued with a formal warning from the FA and the media-shy manager might think twice before venting his frustrations in the press in future.

**John10** · 24-06-08, 12:11 PM

nice win over colchester mate and hard luck away to watford

**abeatty2209** · 24-06-08, 12:29 PM

Good story mate i will keep an eye ion this one

**liveru** · 24-06-08, 01:25 PM

Yeah, hard luck against Watford mate.

The referee was extremely poor in that game by the sounds of things.

Broughy · 24-06-08, 02:51 PM

the season has gotten alot more interesting lately, i'll update later on tonight.