1. How did it feel to finally win promotion to League One?
Great - it capped off a fantastic season and we're hoping more of the same this year. It will be brilliant to play the likes of Forest, sure beats trips to Kiddy and Rushden.
2. Who was the key man in your success?
There were so many players who were key for us. Musselwhite was superb in goal, the back four were tight all year, with Crosby and Butler particularly excelling - Butler scored over ten goals from centre-back. Ian Baraclough was a star in midfield, as was Richard Kell and the supply for Peter Beagrie and Cleveland Taylor, and Paul Hayes banged in the goals during the first half of the season - but lost interest and has since gone. But overall, it was a team effort.
3. Have you added any major new signings for 2005/6?
Tommy Johnson and Jim Goodwin - both should help make us more solid. Johnson has experience and if he keeps fit could really be a star at this level, it's a big IF though. Goodwin is a solid midfielder and should make us tighter, allowing the likes of Baraclough, Wayne Corden, Beagrie and Taylor to get forward and create.
4. What are your thoughts on the two meetings against Southend United?
They will be two great games. Southend like to get it down and play good football like ourselves and they should be enjoyable spectacles. The game at Glanford Park on August 26 should be a belter. Hopefully we will both have started the season pretty well before then.
5. Is there any one man in your squad who is absolutely vital to Scunthorpe United in League One?
Like I said earlier, it's a team effort. We are extremely tight at the back, at the moment, so I'd have to say Tommy Johnson. If he starts scoring goals and rolling back the years we could surprise a few people. The supplyline is important too, so players like Corden, Beagrie and Taylor will be vital.
6. How well do you think the Shrimpers are equipped for life in League One?
Well, I read somewhere the other day they only have seventeen registered players. If you can get a striker to partner Eastwood, like you have been trying. You could also surprise people. There's not a great difference between the two leagues though and I reckon Southend could do alright if they add more numbers to the squad. Roots Hall will be a tough place to visit.
7. What club would you really like to beat this year?
Barnsley - because they took Hayes and Kell, and because their supporters aren't the nicest.
Forest - for the same reason as everyone else
Doncaster - local rivals
It would be nice to win every game though!
8. Who do you think will go up, and who will go down?
Excluding Scunny and Southend:
Champions: Bristol City
Runner-up: Oldham
Play-offs: Doncaster, Huddersfield, Forest, Tranmere
Bottom four: MK Dons, Colchester, Port Vale, Blackpool
**Our thanks go to Chris, and we wish Scunthorpe United all the best for the upcoming campaign. Click on to www.iron-bru.net for all your regular Scunny news.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com