Life supporting our local football team can often be tough, especially during a downward spiral which seemingly has no end in sight. But we all know this comes with the territory in recent years, having endured the descent of Scunthorpe United, a club which graced the second tier of English football not so long ago. But what comes next for The Iron?
Under an ownership with clear indications they are willing to sell, the future of this club couldn’t be any more uncertain. This is the last thing such a proud club needs, heading into previously uncharted territory and thus far, with little indication the situation will change for the better any time soon. Nevertheless, in the hearts and minds of diehard supporters, hope springs eternal whatever lies ahead.
Rebranding and hopes of rejuvenation
Back in June 2018, even the official Scunthorpe United club website was part of the marketing hype, when the Carabao Cup Round One draw was announced in Vietnam of all places. This was part of the promotional efforts by the Thai company sponsoring the competition, which most of us might still regard as being the League Cup or EFL Cup. They had also promoted the competition in Thailand and China the previous year.
Several decades on from first being rebranded as the Milk Cup during the early 1980’s, then the Littlewoods Cup for a while, the competition has carried the name of various patrons. But it will always be the League Cup and that’s a fact, regardless of any associated marketing. The same will always be true for Scunthorpe United, irrespective of who actually owns the club, and if the club can even survive having fallen out of the Football League.
Carabao is actually a brand of energy drink, one that is now as popular in Thailand as wagering on football matches. Of course, it always helps when the locals there can find the best sports betting options known in Thailand as พนันกีฬาออนไลน์, accompanied by expert advice and the most appealing offers available. After making such a poor start to their National League campaign, Scunthorpe United could certainly do with a boost of energy, although it seems unlikely the bookies will be backing them to succeed.
The harsh reality is that for many clubs, tumbling to what is often referred to as the non-league can be an arduous ride. This is no longer the top tier of semi-professional football it once was, given the majority of the fifth tier clubs have achieved full-time professional status. Just as Scunthorpe United has discovered, this is an extremely tough and competitive level, and one that has also undergone various name changes over the years.
Heading into the 2022-23 season, clearly Scunthorpe United fans had high expectations. Many would have believed that given what appeared to be a solid window of squad recruitment, the team rebrand itself into something different and make a positive start. Unfortunately, results have proven otherwise and that swiftly cost Keith Hill his job as manager. Hopefully, the second interim tenure of Tony Daws will bring a period of rejuvenation
Adapt or die and be reborn
Currently known as the Vanarama National League due to their established sponsorship deal, the fifth tier can be like a graveyard for many clubs dropping to this level of the English game, although it can actually be a springboard for important change and evolution for others. For those who can adapt quickly, newfound hopes and aspirations materialise, occasionally sparking a relatively swift return to the Football League.
For those who don’t, as might appear to the early indications at Scunthorpe United, one of two things can happen. The first is preparing for the long haul ahead, the fate that has befallen clubs like Wrexham, now in their fifteenth consecutive season in the fifth tier. The second comes amidst fears of complete failure, the fate that has befallen several clubs following their Football League descent.
This has given rise to the phoenix club phenomena, which regardless of results on the pitch, often brings an entirely new lease of life for fans. There are several current examples in the National League right now, such as FC Halifax Town or Aldershot Town, both of whom rose from the ashes of the fallen former clubs.
The other alternative comes via fan ownership, which is ultimately how York City sparked their own rebirth as a proud football club since 2002. Regardless of selling the controlling stake in 2006, then rebuying it, followed by the recent resale of a larger percentage, they still retain 49% and have an important say in what happens.
One or the other path could be the long-term future of Scunthorpe United, let there be no illusions, which may seem to be quite a daunting prospect. But while the current ownership remains, all that fans can do for now is grit their teeth, continue supporting the team as positively as they can, while hoping that better and more enjoyable times are more than just a pipedream.