By Iron gaffer discusses ‘difficult’ transfer window following EFL relegation
Scunthorpe United boss, Keith Hill, has discussed his “difficult” experiences as he battles to retain and sign new talent after the Iron’s EFL relegation.
As Scunthorpe United’s National League campaign edges closer and closer, gaffer Keith Hill has shared his transfer experiences during an interview on the BBC, describing the task of signing players as “difficult”
Speaking with Matt Dean on BBC Humberside Sport earlier today, the Iron boss answered a plethora of questions pertaining to player retention and bringing in fresh talent.
Last week saw Scunthorpe’s first signing of the summer as Andrew Boyce was confirmed to be re-joining his former club, following half a decade of service at National League side, Eastleigh.
Today (Tuesday 14 June), it was announced that Jai Rowe extended his contract with the Iron. The 20-year-old will now play his football at Glanford Park until 2024!
However, it has not been plain sailing for Keith Hill as he shed light on the tough task that relegation inherits.
When asked about Scunthorpe’s next signing, the gaffer replied: “It’s very difficult that one”
According to Keith hill, he had become extremely close to signing two players which would have bolstered his roster ready for life in the National League. Unfortunately, in both cases, Hill’s targets signed for clubs in the League One and in League Two, despite contracts being drawn up 24 hours beforehand.
An additional transfer prospect for the Iron boss, who Hill thought he had “a great chance of recruiting”, decided to retain his position in the Football League.
Matt Dean posed the question around recruitment following Scunthorpe’s relegation, to which the Iron boss promptly replied: “It’s very difficult. It always is”
After failing to acquire three potential signings, it was announced that defender Ross Millen has departed the club for Scottish Championship side, Raith Rovers.
Addressing Millen’s departure, Hill said: “Obviously as a result of us being relegated, he does want to return back to his native country”
Hill also suggested there could be additional players that wish to leave the club given the “limited budget” and EFL relegation, adding:
“It is important that you create a new atmosphere, a new environment, and you don’t have too much scar tissue left over from previous experiences”
“We’ve had three, probably four years of tumble, tumble, tumble and it is important that we stop that, and we start rebuilding”, he added.
“I believe that I have been given the opportunity over this summer to rebuild, not just the football club, but our identity”
