No appeal for Norwood red

Scunthorpe United have confirmed that they shan't be appealing Oliver Norwood's red card from Saturday's away loss to Notts County on Saturday.

This is following the referee's unapologetic report on the game after the event, (despite the fact that his performance was a disgrace), and the known intransigence of the FA when it comes to overturning, (or rather not), red cards.

So unfortunately, the Iron's on-loan central midfielder will miss the next three games for the Iron, with the referee, (insert insult), claimed the Burnley born lad used "excessive force".

The referee obviously hasn't looked up the meaning of the words he says any time in the recent past.

And talking about it after the game, Alan Knill was absolutely spot on in his assessment - decrying the fact that "the game has been sanitised, and all the aggresion taken out of it."
This even ignores the fact that in the build up to Norwood's tackle, there was a blatant foul on Barcham - which the referee just happened to overlook conveniently.

Don't even get us started on the fact that Lee Hughes punched Shane Duffy, and Krystian Pearce hacked down Garry Thompson when he was through on goal. Neither were shown red cards.

All adding to an absolutely disgracefully negligent afternoon's performance by the referee. If a plumber had performed so negligently - then he'd have been struck off.

Thus - the Northern Ireland interntational will now not play for the Iron until after Christmas at the very earliest.

In the process, he will miss the Carlisle & Bury home games, (December 10th & 26th), and the trip away to Exeter, (December 17th), respectively.

But let's just hope that Olly can come back from this to his best and better, and make sure that this doesn't affect the Iron as we try to kick on from the good performance at the weekend, to finally find a win: and beging to crawl back up the table.

Up the Iron!

Iron release Exeter ticket info

Scunthorpe United have released the ticket information regarding the Iron's trip to the Devon club on Saturday December 17th.

It is the club's longest trip of the season, and the clash away to Paul Tidsdale's Grecians, is also the final game before Christmas. As such, expect much inventive fancy dress - if not season's greetings if the Iron are still so desperate for the points!

Scunny have been handed only 150 tickets for the mid-December clash, and they're already on sale to all supporters: so book early to avoid disappointment!

It is not yet known as to whether there will be more tickets available for Iron fans on the day, or in advance of the match if required, but given the conservative estimate by both clubs: we remain hopeful.

The tickets, if still available, will otherwise remain on sale until 2:00PM on Friday December 16th - the day before the match.

The prices have also been released for the away end for the game:

Adults - £20 Seniors - £13 U/18s - £6
However, if there are of this current allocation, or a further one, available on the day - (are likely to be a straight purchase at the turnstiles operation), then the ticket prices for Adults & Seniors will increase.

And despite it saying on the club's website that the £13 price bracket is for "Concessions" - this author has personally rang up, and been informed that it actually only means OAPs in practice unfortunately.

As such - any alternative Concessions, (namely students & the disabled), will have to pay the full Adult price according to Scunthorpe United. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

That said - a Family Ticket is also available, (One Adult & One U/14), is also available for the discount collective price of £23.

However, the above offer is only available in the seating area of the away end: and cannot be utilised in the smaller, unconvered terrace section of the available to away fans.

This is despite purchasing Iron supporters having to make no preference regarding which one they'd rather prefer - as both are available to enter with the same ticket. So if any brave souls fancy chancing your arm!

But owing to crap ground facilities, ongoing refurbishment, and an onver-zealous safety manager - Exeter City have been strongly encouraging all away fans to use the seating area of the away end.

How successful this stance from the Devon club is likely to be on the other hand, is another matter. As no doubt there will be some die-hard souls determined to utilise the standing facilities, (this author included) - so it will be interesting if nothing else.

Scunny have also announced the Coach Prices and leaving times. Also, the coach prices and ticket details are on the club's website - and are available to purchase for all the away trips right up until the end of March 2012.

It is not believed that either the Official Supporters Club, or the Winterton Iron are running a coach - and frankly, given the time and distance involved: who can bloody blame them?!

Members: £28 Non-Members: £29
You are automatically a Member, if you're an Iron Card holder or a Season Ticket Holder. But quite frankly - if you are neither of them, but still committed enough to go down to Exeter to see the Iron's clash, you deserve you £1 discount!

The Leaving Times are as follows:

Ashby Broadway: 7:00AM Museum: 7:10AM Baths Hall: 7:15AM Glanford Park: 7:30AM
An early start without question, and whilst this author sadly can't be on the coach - here's hoping that all suppoprters mad, sad, and committed enough to make the journey down: are rewarded with what they all deserve.

3 bloody points!

Up the Iron!

Duffy loan extended to Jan

Scunthorpe United have once more announced that the so far successful loan spell of Everton defender Shane Duffy, is to be extended.

The Derry-born centre-half has been a rare defensive glimmer of light in an otherwise disappointing season so far for the Iron, and has such gone down a hit with management and players alike.

With the Republic of Irish U/21 international on specially designed developmental loan, it is up to all parties, (Namely both clubs and the player), to decide if the loan should be extended at the end of every month.

Sam Johnstone is also on this new-age arrangement designed to suit all concerned, and can also ocassionally involve the players training with their parent clubs, (indeed - this was how Sam Johnstone got injured).

Thankfully - Shane will be staying in North Lincolnshire for another month at least, hence taking his loan spell with the Iron up until Sunday January 8th.

As such, and unless his loan spell is extended once more: this will mean that the Derry born loanee, will play another 6 games for the Claret & Blue Army - with the final one theoretically being at home to Gary Megson's high-flying Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday 7th January.

The 6ft 4 defender has thus far made 14 appearances for Scunny in all competitions - scoring a solitary goal, (the Iron's first during the 4-2 win at home to Tranmere).

It is hoped that a longer extension period will be able to occur from David Moyes' Merseyside club in January - but this is not yet assured by any stretch of the imagination, especially given the Iron's somewhat patchy form of late.

But any more Shane stays with the Iron, the more welcome it indeed is....

Up the Iron!