United skipper Byrne hoping to be part of Knill's plans
CLUB skipper Cliff Byrne knows there will be big changes at Glanford Park this summer and he knows boss Alan Knill is looking to build a new young side.
But at 29 years of age, he still desperately wants to be part of Scunthorpe United's future back in League One.
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FITNESS FIGHT: Iron defender Cliff Byrne.
It will be Byrne's ninth full season with the Iron, with three promotions and two relegations on his CV.
He is conscious of the fact Knill has not yet seen him play, having been out of action since the turn of the year with a troublesome back injury which has still not completely cleared up.
"I have run out of time for this season, but the injury is a million times better than what it was," said Byrne.
"First and foremost in my mind is getting myself fit.
"I will have a programme to work to during the summer to make sure I am 100 per cent ready for pre-season training.
"It will be a big pre-season for me – I have got to step up to the plate, the same as everyone else.
"The new manager has come in with a certain style of doing things – a good style. I have no doubt he will bring in players this summer to try to develop the sort of team he wants.
"And I want to be part of that. I want to be part of a squad that is pushing for promotion next season.
"If the manager brings in the players he wants for next season, I am sure we will have a strong squad."
7 Comments
by Steve, London
Tuesday, May 10 2011, 8:26PM
“In contract until the end of next season. No doubt PDoff (are you still alive ?) will correct me if I'm wrong.
He will be OK in Lge 1 despite his lack of speed. He believes in the cause. We don't have a left back at all though.”
by did I, miss something?
Tuesday, May 10 2011, 5:43PM
“is he out of contract?”
by Al, Bournemouth
Tuesday, May 10 2011, 4:46PM
“I agree, Cliffy is worth another season.He'll be fit and raring to go and if it were to be his last season in helping us get back up, what a great swansong for a man who gives his all. Don't be too stubborn on the 24 and under Knilly, you will need some backbone in that dressing room. Good luck Mr. Byrne.”
by jon, scunny
Tuesday, May 10 2011, 1:04PM
“Cliff IS Mr Scunthorpe United.
His passion for this club and his no nonsense approach to the opposition far outweugh the fact he is not the fastest full back.
In League 1 Cliff is momentous.
Give him the contract.
Up The Iron! to be sure.”
by Chris, Bottesford
Tuesday, May 10 2011, 12:45PM
“Cliffy's been found wanting as a Championship player in three of the last four seasons, too many mistakes and red cards. But can anyone seriously recall him putting a foot wrong in either of our promotion seasons out of League One...i can't think of many. Plus he's a leader on the pitch and for some bizarre reason, probably something to do with being Irish, he absolutely loves the club. Also Eddie Nolan, who I wouldn't want to keep anyway considering his recent performances, is surely on his way and we are now right backless without Cliffy.”
by Speedy Gonzalez, Scunthorpe
Tuesday, May 10 2011, 11:43AM
“He may run through a brick wall, the problem will be he will only be running about 2 miles per hour. Too Slow!!”
by Rich, London
Tuesday, May 10 2011, 11:33AM
“Message for Alan Knill. This guy would run through a brick wall for the cause. Should be given a new contract.”