Scunthorpe Utd: Turnbull exit cuts costs and allows manager to use own system
THE decision to axe Lee Turnbull from his scouting duties at Scunthorpe United was part of a cost-cutting exercise following relegation – and the desire by new manager Alan Knill to engage a scouting company he used at Bury.
That has been confirmed by United's general manager David Beeby.
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Iron general manager David Beeby has explained the Iron's decision to end Lee Turnbull's time as chief scout at Glanford Park.
"I explained the situation to Lee in an amicable conversation," he said.
"His job with the club was originally on the community side but gradually he became more and more involved in the scouting side.
"When we were promoted to the Championship for the first time, we tried to look after Lee and that role became more formalised.
"But being relegated to League One last season we have lost a huge part of our income.
"We have got to try and get our finances in order and while there is no cause for panic at the moment, that's something that can't go on for ever.
"We have got to look at ways of reducing our costs.
"We want to make sure that as much of the finance that we have got as possible goes towards the team.
"Unfortunately, following relegation, and a change of manager as well, we have to look at what we want to do and unfortunately that means a change in some roles."
One of those is Turnbull, who spoke exclusively to the Telegraph about his 'disappointment' at the restructuring, who has been part of the management team at Scunthorpe for the past six years.
"There are a number of people who have been responsible for highlighting young players that we have brought to this club – and Lee is one of them," Beeby continued.
"But his main role has been watching and preparing reports on teams we are due to play, such as Wycombe this Saturday.
"But the new manager has come in and wants to use Scout 7, the company that produced those reports for him while he was at Bury.
"Lee is a really nice guy and in an ideal world we would not want to do this. But circumstances dictate this.
"Lee will though remain here in his role as chief executive of the Community Trust."
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by bufferdude
Wednesday, August 03 2011, 11:28AM
“Westcliff09 I agree with everything you have said,it will come back to haunt your club that they poached our manager.You deserve better than Knilly,he couldn't crack it last time he managed at this level. As for Beeby he's just a penny pinching lapdog for mighty Wharton.Good luck for the forthcoming season i bare your club & it's supporters no mallice.”
by dougie_hayes
Wednesday, August 03 2011, 9:28AM
“They way Turnball has been treated is a disgrace!!!! Hang your head in shame Mr Beeby, you and your cronies keep your jobs when the blame for relegation lies at YOUR door!!!!!!!!”
by rainman999
Wednesday, August 03 2011, 8:18AM
“"whereas Knill has brought in players out of sentiment like Robertson, second rate players"
Jeez can we see him play a league game before writing him off?”
by fredgough
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 10:11PM
“a total joke that we have got rid of arguably our biggest asset, he has brought in quality players whereas Knill has brought in players out of sentiment like Robertson, second rate players!!!
This is conformation for me that Knill hasn't got a clue what he is doing and should of stuck with Bury, total league 2 thinking, someone tell me a good player he has brought in?? now list the many many quality players that Turnbull brought in for pennies!!!”
by PStoff
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 8:31PM
“PercyJones - I agree with most you say but ask yourself who drove 1200 fans away from GP last season when we could have quite easily kept them and with a bit of ambition and business acumen quite easily added to them.
We need a change at the top and we need it to be a complete one and quick.”
by PStoff
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 8:28PM
“It's not the football on the pitch it is the actions and policies of the club and chairman before a ball is kicked that is the problem. These will affect what happens on the pitch this coming season.
We had a self induced relegation last season and this season Mr. Ambition is ensuring we don't go back up.
If you can't see this you don't deserve to think you are a fan.”
by Daleboy83
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 8:15PM
“The season has not even started and yet again a number fans are writing us off. Lets just wait and see where we are after 5 games and assess the s**t when we are actually in it. Ok I agree it dosen't look great but to give up as fans before we get started is no way to SUPPORT a team we all claim we love until we die.”
by AnonTaxPayer
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 6:19PM
“percyjbjones.
You hit the nail right on the head.”
by PStoff
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 6:14PM
“Another nail in the coffin - I had nothing but admiration for Knill until today - I hope this decision pays off and doesn't cause us to do as many are thinking now and that is double relegation.
The club in recent history has a habit of turning their backs on players and others who took us to our pinnacle until the chairman cacked himself and dragged us back down.
We will end up being the only club to fall into debt as a result of having an unhealthy obsession of getting into debt.
Re-investing half of the Hooper money last season, retaining Hayes and getting a real manager in would have meant we would be 4million better off.”
by Scunnyfan
Tuesday, August 02 2011, 6:05PM
“Oh my word REALLY? REALLY? REALLY? This way of "scouting" is blooming awful.”