A Brief Guide To Scunthorpe United Football Club

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Founded: 1899

Nickname: The Iron

Stadium: Glanford Park (1988-present). The Old Showground (1899-1988)

Colours: Claret & Blue (home), Light Blue & Black (alternate)

Chairman: Steve Wharton

Manager: Nigel Adkins

Honours: Third Division North (1957-58), League One (2006-07)

Top Goalscorer: Steve Cammack - 109

Most appearances: Jack Brownsword - 597

Biggest Win: 8-1 vs Luton Town (April 24th, 1965), vs Torquay United (October 28th, 1995)

Biggest Loss: 8-0 vs Carlisle United (December 25th, 1952)

Biggest Attendance: 23,935 vs Portsmouth (Old Showground - January 30th, 1954), 8,921 vs Newcastle United (Glanford Park - October 20th, 2009)

The Manager - Nigel Adkins

Nigel Adkins was the club physiotherapist for several years before being appointed manager in November 2006 following the departure of Brian Laws to Sheffield Wednesday.

Under Adkins the club have enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its history. In his first season in charge he guided the Iron to the League One title, their first honour since 1958.

Scunthorpe were relegated from the Championship just one year later, but they were promoted yet again the following season via the playoffs. A dramatic penalty shootout win over MK Dons set up a clash with Millwall, and Martyn Woolford's late strike snatched a 3-2 victory.

He also led the Iron to the Football League Trophy final at Wembley in 2009, but they were beaten 3-2 by Luton Town after extra time.

England Heroes

Kevin Keegan (pictured): As a teenager, Keegan was spotted by Iron legend Jack Brownsword while playing for an amateur side. He debuted as a 17-year-old against Peterborough United and made 124 appearances, scoring 18 goals, before moving to Liverpool for £35,000 in 1971.

Keegan won 63 caps for England, netting 21 times. He would later go on to manage Newcastle United, Fulham, Manchester City and the England national team.

Ray Clemence: Having failed to make the grade at Notts County, the Iron signed goalkeeper Clemence in 1965. He made 48 appearances for the North Lincolnshire club before Liverpool snapped him up for £18,000 in 1967. Clemence, who represented England 61 times, would also enjoy a spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

Sir Ian Botham: Yes, that's right! Record-setting cricket legend "Beefy" made 11 appearances for the Iron in the early 80s as he attempted to regain fitness following injury.

Club Legends

Jack Brownsword: Much-loved by Iron supporters, Brownsword made a club record 597 appearances. Of his 50 goals, only one did not come from the penalty spot. "Mr Scunthorpe United" passed away in December 2009 at the age of 86.

Peter Beagrie (pictured): Probably the most high-profile signing in the club's history, the former Everton and Manchester City winger spent more time at the Iron than any other club. He wowed the fans with his trickery and trademark somersault celebration, scoring 172 times in 34 appearances following his arrival in 2001.