Knill: Rebuilding the United squad is a long-term project
MANAGER Alan Knill has warned rebuilding Scunthorpe United 'might take a while' after another glaring insight into the club's problems.
The Iron conceded more than four goals in a match for the sixth time this season as they crashed 5-1 at Nottingham Forest in their penultimate match of the campaign on Saturday.
-
SET FOR A BUSY SUMMER: Iron boss Alan Knill.
It was a result, and, more accurately, performance, that further underlined the amount of work needed to restore a squad low on confidence, pace and attacking threat.
And having been given an insight into the sort of budget he will have to work with in League One next term at a board meeting last week, the Iron boss says there will be no quick fix to righting the wrongs of a campaign to forget.
"Myself and the board all see the same picture," said Knill after the City Ground defeat.
"We all see this is a long-term project and that because the squad is so disjointed at the moment, so unbalanced, it might take a while.
"It took me three years to get things sorted at Bury, but that squad is unbelievable for League Two.
"It would compete in League One and would comfortably give some of these Championship teams a game for 90 minutes.
"I need to reproduce that at Scunthorpe, but the good thing is that with the way I play, and the way we try to work, we've attracted really good players.
"There's a lot of work to be done, but I have a vision of what Scunthorpe is – a club that gets young players in and develops them.
"That's what I do best and my teams are full of young, athletic players that every day they walk into the door want to get better.
"That's what I've had before and that's what I'll get again, eventually."
The exit of some of United's out of contract players is likely to free up some room in the Iron budget.
Knill reiterated his belief after Saturday's game that Joe Murphy and David Mirfin will both get themselves fixed up with Championship clubs, while Josh Wright told the Telegraph he has 'probably' played his last game for the club.
Those players under contract too also face an uncertain summer, with Knill keen to move some of them on too to free up cash.
Figures like Rob Jones, who has ended the season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, are sure to fit into that bracket.
"It's going to be difficult because we've got 17 players in contract, which takes up a lot of that budget. But we'll have to move some on," added the United boss.
“I don’t need five centre-halves and I don’t need four right-backs. There in itself shows we have to do something.
"It's going to be an interesting summer that's for sure, but I think we'll get there in the end. That's the most important thing."
4 Comments
by James Bond, Casino Royale
Monday, May 02 2011, 3:39PM
“So what happens if we do make the NPC again? Or reach Wembley in the play offs...if after five years of succesful football paired with masses of missed chances off the pitch, we haven't built an NPC ground with seating - WHAT CHANCE IS THERE?
The root problem at United is Wharton and the board - this has been papered over by Nigel Adkins but how, as supporters, can we actually back a club who dont seem to actually 'want it'.
Selling off Mirfin, Wright and Murphy leaves us short on quality and I'd wager that O Connor will be gone in the summer too.
Shocking Iron - even with the best team in our great clubs rubbish history, the board managed to take us backwards!
Up the Iron!”
by Keith, my desk
Monday, May 02 2011, 1:38PM
“Its good to hear some wise words echoing around GP from a good manager once again! In Alan we have a guy who lives and breathes football, its obvious from his comments and background that he likes his work ethic to rub off on his players. This is just what we need as he isnt going to be able to offload all our deadwood so hopefully he can kick a few bums and get the best out of a bad bunch whilst hopefully add a few of his own handpicked lower league gems for good measure.
All the best to Murph and Mirf, they deserve to be in the NPC, shame the board couldn't get them on longer contracts to ensure a return on them but hey-ho! As for Josh, I hope derby come in for him, they could take jones for free too as a make weight in the deal :)
Thommo will fire us into contention with a decent partner up the middle!
In Alan I Trust....UTI”
by Dave, Doncaster
Monday, May 02 2011, 1:38PM
“I agree it's an accurate assessment Steve but I disagree that a quick return to the NPC is'nt a possibilty.
I have to hold my hands up and say that at first I did'nt think Alan Knill's appointment was a good one but I have changed my mind as I like his honest astute assessments.
Given a decent budget, I think he will attract good players.
As for Rob Jones, a Sheff Wed supporter friend of mine says he is popular with their fans and he said, and I quote, 'it's good to have someone at the back who can head a ball'!?
Hopefully they will sign him!”
by Steve, London
Monday, May 02 2011, 11:10AM
“This is a pretty accurate assessment. A quick return to the NPC is unlikely as Knill needs contracts to end summer 2012 as well as this year in order to restructure the squad.
As for moving on players under contract, as always it will those we want to keep that will attract attention. I can't see SUFC being able to unload Jones. Everyone now sees how useless he is. It may be apposite to buy out his contract.
There are deficiencies all over the pitch and in fact its more or less the same story as last summer. New full backs and two strikers needed, probably a creative midfielder too.
We are going to have to take big losses on Adkin's naff signings.
Lets hope Thomo is fit for the start of the season.”