United back to square one in search for a new striker
WHERE do Scunthorpe United turn to now in their search for a new striker?
It is likely to be back to the lower two divisions of English football.
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IN THE WINGS: Iron target Mark Duffy of Morecambe (red shirt) is challenged by Lincoln defender Jamie Clapham.
It could mean reopening their interest in Bristol Rovers hot-shot Will Hoskins – or it could mean gambling on trying to bring in a youngster from a Premier League club.
Manager Ian Baraclough knows that without more scoring power to his squad, then the Iron are likely to lose their battle to stay in the Championship this season.
He has confirmed an interest in Morecambe winger Mark Duffy – who could be at Glanford Park within the next 24 hours – and is already looking elsewhere for another front man.
Baraclough is desperately disappointed to have missed out on Kilmarnock ace Conor Sammon, who seemed on the verge of signing on Monday night.
But the 24-year-old player had a change of heart and decided to head back up to Scotland yesterday.
"It is disappointing because all the indications were that he was going to join us," said the United boss.
"We believed we had put together a good enough deal for him.
"He had seen where we were in the league table and seemed up to the challenge of trying to help us stay in the Championship.
"But after thinking about it overnight, he decided the move was not right for him and has returned to Kilmarnock where he has been doing well.
"We have to move on now and focus elsewhere."
One place United have looked is League Two Morecambe, where they have a bid in for 25-year-old right winger Duffy.
He has pace and an ability to take on defenders.
He won both penalties last Saturday as his side came from behind in the final few minutes to beat Torquay 2-1.
Duffy was originally on the books of Liverpool as a junior but was released as a teenager.
Since then he has worked his way back up through non-league football, joining Morecambe from Southport in a £20,000 deal in the summer of 2009.
"I can confirm we are interested in Duffy," said Baraclough.
"We have a good record at this club for bringing in players from the lower leagues and helping them develop.
"Hopefully he can be another.
"I would like to think that we can reach a deal with Morecambe and have him training with us tomorrow."
One bit of good news for Baraclough is the return to full training yesterday of Garry Thompson.
It was from Morecambe that Thompson joined the Iron in the summer of 2008.
His three seasons with United have been dogged by injury and he has started only four league games this term.
7 Comments
by Big target man, Who can score goals
Wednesday, January 19 2011, 7:24PM
“Another John Gayle is what we need. Mind you in Forrester and Eyre we had goal scorers to feed off him!”
by Mincey, Scunthorpe
Wednesday, January 19 2011, 12:25PM
“Who's this Man City loanee coming tho Scunthorpe?
http://www.fanfeedr.com/soccer/2011/01/19/england-manchester-city-yielded-to-scunthorpe-the-young-ibrahim”
by sid james, carry on Iron
Wednesday, January 19 2011, 12:02PM
“Cracking stuff..another 'winger' another League 2 starlet...still he can win penalties!! We can then watch fan favourite O'Connor blast them over the bar...if we see him in an Iron shirt again.
At the end of the day Baraclough made out he had his transfers all ready to go at the start of January. He's out of his depth.
Anyway, keep smiling....”
by Tony, Blyton
Wednesday, January 19 2011, 10:54AM
“We really have reached "the last chance saloon" and the club must know this. The issue is far wider than signing a new striker, it is,as we all know, about the ambition of the club. Despite many, many let downs in the past, the fans have always rallied against their disappointments. Numbers have slackened off, of course, but if there is no action during this break, then I fear a tidal wave of desertion will occur. I accept that there is sincerity in Barra's attempts to sign new players. He does however need his hand significantly strengthening. If not, then I truly believ thw watershed will have been arrived at and SUFC will be making rapid reverse strides back into nonentity. A real, real pity! Please listen and respond!!”
by Brian, Malta
Wednesday, January 19 2011, 10:02AM
“All we are saying is give us a goal (scorer)”
by P.Doff, Alreadysville
Wednesday, January 19 2011, 9:41AM
“Look no further, he is already on our books - Jonothan Forte, quick, strong, eye for a goal, it will be just like signing a new player.”
by Steve, birmingham
Wednesday, January 19 2011, 9:34AM
“make a good offer for Will Hoskins as seen we have the money and offer Kevin Phillips a player /coach job you never know they may shock us and say yes. Barra needs to hurry to get one in to play on saturday”