Knill lauds response of players in victory over relegation rivals
MORE than once under Alan Knill's stewardship Scunthorpe United have defied the odds.
Now the Iron boss believes his side can defy the drop.
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LITTLE AND LARGE: Scunthorpe United boss Alan Knill with goalscorer Ramon Nunez at the final whistle. Picture: Carl Gac.
United handed themselves a lifeline with Saturday's 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, strengthening their conviction that survival is no longer an impossible task with the gap to the fourth-bottom Eagles now three points.
Where only a few weeks ago the Iron were deemed the Championship's whipping boys, Knill believes they have become strong contenders to secure another season in the second tier.
"We've defied the odds. No-one had us to go there and win or to play as well as we did," said the Scunthorpe manager of his side's victory at Selhurst Park.
"There were probably quite a few walking away saying Scunthorpe are not a bad side, whereas six weeks ago everyone was telling me they're the worst side they had ever seen.
"I'm delighted with the players.
"And it just shows what you can do with hard work.
"That's all it is, hard work.
"We're constantly on to them that they're better than what they've shown.
"Everyone had billed it as a must-win game and you try to play it down, but it really was.
"If Palace had gone nine points in front, then it would be pretty difficult for us with four games left.
"To cut it to three gives us a belief that we can still do it."
The talent was always there, but Knill is beginning to unlock United’s potential.
His side’s second goal, a fine finish from Ramon Nunez, typified everything the former Bury chief is trying to achieve at Glanford Park.
“It was a great goal and he’s a really talented footballer,” Knill said of the Honduran, whose strike added to a first half header from David Mirfin.
“The lead up to it was really good, good football, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to keep possession and have a cutting edge around the box.
“It doesn’t come easy but it comes with a lot of hard work and I think we’ve got some talented footballers.
“When it hit the top corner, it was fantastic. It’s a great goal, and I thought it was a pretty good team goal to get there.
“I’m delighted, and I’m delighted for him as well. I think that was the best performance I’ve seen from him.
“We know he’s talented with the ball, but you have to put in a shift without it, and I thought he did that on Saturday for the team.”
Scunthorpe will be without Joe Garner for Friday's trip to Coventry City after the striker was given his marching orders for two bookable offences late on against Palace.
Michael O'Connor too, is likely to be missing as a thigh injury sustained against Reading last Tuesday could keep him out for up to 10 days.
"It gives the opportunity to Michael Collins, who I thought did pretty well on Saturday," said Knill, who had no complaints about Garner's red card.
"We were just about to take Joe off because you could see it coming.
"All of a sudden the crowd had got up and you knew the next foul, he was definitely going off.
"We were just too late, so we will probably take the blame for that."
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by RainMan999, London
Wednesday, April 20 2011, 11:29AM
“Ah thanks for the info Mike, I bow to your superior knowledge and experience in all things regarding same sex marriages.
I disagree over your Mildred comment however, I don't need to look it up, I am old enough to remember George and Mildred and indeed Man About The House where they first appeared. I think Knilly is more George than Mildred looks wise.”
by Mike, Bury
Wednesday, April 20 2011, 11:11AM
“Ha ha Rainman no mate you got that one wrong it's a she not a he though sometimes she could be mistaken for an east german shockputter.If a man marries another man it is called a civil partnership not marriage (deary me) ps how's your loverboy?.No humour in the smoke go google Yootha Joyce and have more than one crack open today.”
by RainMan999, London
Tuesday, April 19 2011, 3:57PM
“oh mike.. bless you.. I am sure you and your partner are blissfully happy and I wish you and him every happiness. I also hope Bury get promoted and Scunny stay up so we can all be happy. We will see hey?”
by mike, Rainman's backyard
Tuesday, April 19 2011, 1:46PM
“Fear not Rainman999 i am a happily married man and me and my partner never argue much let alone show signs of breaking up.Ps never been dumped in my life how about you?.
PS 2 doesn't your manager Alan Knill look a deadringer for Mildred Roper from (GEORGE AND MILDRED) alias Yootha Joyce go google her,it had me in stitches,and i've been to specsavers thanks.Good luck THE IRON yes you have a good go ahead chairman and great boardroom staff,perhaps a change is as good as rest and you will now be planning for next season where you can build for the playoffs for the premier league and the golden rainbow of 50 million plus.”
by Rich, London
Tuesday, April 19 2011, 12:37PM
“The reason Garner got sent off - and won't be able to play the next game - is because he was trying to protect Hughes from another mauling down the left wing. Based on Saturday alone (I haven't seen many games this season), Hughes isn't up the job.”
by RainMan999, London
Tuesday, April 19 2011, 7:54AM
“I fear for any girlfriend who dumps Mike from Bury”
by Steve, Peterboro
Monday, April 18 2011, 10:08PM
“and Bury Mike, you may or may not have noticed that our chairman stated that Knill was his target but thought he would have to wait until the end of the season to get him. i.e. "no "a tinpot outfit who's aim is to retain their golden era in the championship" We often criticsie our chairman/board but they do tend to think long term.
Good luck to Bury, we know how you feel (and we are still dizzy with the thought that a manager from a succesful club (of any league) actually wants to join us!”
by Mike, Bury
Monday, April 18 2011, 9:16PM
“I am just commenting on how well Bury fc has done so far without Alan Knill.The players he has brought to our club are a credit to him.They are being driven by a determination to prove how wrong he was to abandon his dream of getting us promoted.Surely you don't build one house and before it is completed abandon it then build another one,where is the sense or logic in that?..Where is the sense in that?.No i am not obsessed by anyone or anything juse deeply disappointed in the lack of committment by the aforementioned individual.”
by Eddie Murphy, Beverley Hills
Monday, April 18 2011, 4:52PM
“Sheesh Mike, let it go man. He's gone - get over it. Do you support your club or one man?”
by steven, GY
Monday, April 18 2011, 4:33PM
“You don't sound bitter or jealous Mike and if you are you are hiding it well.”