Squirrel makes Scunthorpe United manager Alan Knill crash his bike
As narrow escapes go, it is certainly one of the most bizarre.
After watching their team fall 2-1 to Notts County in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, several of the 1,000 Scunthorpe United fans who turned out at Glanford Park would perhaps say they wished they hadn't been there.
But Alan Knill very nearly wasn't.
The Iron boss faced boos and calls for his head at the end of the game - which took the team's losing run to six in all competitions - but says he has been given a new perspective on life following a cycling accident.
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Knill was out riding his bike on Monday when he collided with a squirrel. Unable to dodge the animal, it got caught up in his spokes and sent the manager flying over his handlebars.
"It was quite serious at the time, I was flying through the air," said Knill, who escaped with just cuts and bruises.
"I came off my bike at 20-whatever miles an hour, an ambulance was called and everything – I could have died.
"I'm worrying every night about football, about this, about that, I could have been dead on Monday.
"You hear it (the crowd) and it happens, but you just put up with it.
"I had things put into perspective on Monday.
"I'm quite sure that I'll sort this out.
"Obviously we need some help, but I'm quite sure I'll sort this out and we'll move on.
"The perspective for me was I might not have been having this conversation.
"These things (defeats) happen, but it puts a perspective on everything."
Knill was nevertheless, pleased with an improved performance from his players against the Magpies.
They took the lead through Mark Duffy, before goals from Enoch Showunmi and Carl Regan saw the visitors triumph.
Notts had made five changes to their starting line-up for the first round clash, and the manager admits their strength in depth was telling.
"We've had some plusses," said Knill.
"We put Jordan Keegan on the pitch, that was the first time he's started for us and I thought he did well. He just tired towards the end, which is to be expected.
"Then we got Mark Hughes on the pitch. We think he's going to be a good player.
"It's just the same problem, we're just short (on numbers).
"Look at their squad, what they had on the pitch and what they didn't; it was always going to be difficult. But I thought we had a good go.
"We tried our best and it was an improvement from Saturday, but we all know we've got to be a lot better.
"Hopefully we can strengthen the squad, which is the most important thing. We obviously need players."
Comments
by Usedtobeproud
Friday, September 07 2012, 1:19PM
“Unfortunately AK survived but what happened to the poor squirrel ?”
by DFlated
Friday, September 07 2012, 7:53AM
“Rochdale paid 50k for Grant but no cash up front. Pants down.
Mr W has already poured money (900k) into the club this season to balance the books so I can't see him parting with any more.
The management team would cost 220k to get rid of as they are on a rolling contract.
Don't expect Mozika to kick a ball for this club again either.
All above from a horses mouth.”
by xcahoot
Thursday, September 06 2012, 4:27PM
“We both want the same end result Deerey.
I,m sure you would agree if SW would even temporarily top up funds to finance three
senior replacements it could make all the difference in the world.
The garbage they are spouting about Grants fee being thrown in the pot is ludicrous !
What did Rochdale offer twenty grand.”
by Deereyme
Thursday, September 06 2012, 12:20PM
“Still pleasantly surprised by how different my views are from yours xcahoot. It means I'm not losing my touch.”
by ellisld
Thursday, September 06 2012, 8:16AM
“An RTA with a Squirrel and the emergency services called - whow !
The strory even made Sky Sports News - such a strory could only be originate from Scunny.
Apparentley there were skid marks at the scene but these were not found on the road !!
No one wants to see someone fail or get hurt but many hope this season will not be the start of a slow death for the club.
Putting things into perspective - the game plan just isn't working!”
by xcahoot
Thursday, September 06 2012, 2:22AM
“If you are true supporters of the club Scunthorpe United , then you should want only one thing ,
for the club to stabilize & start getting results.
My own feeling is that the last thing we need is more disruption.
Who do you think is waiting to take the reigns ?
I will get behind & show my support for whoever is in charge here for however long .
Likewise the players if they are playing their hearts out , as on Tuesday night .
It is very easy to speculate , the causes, the cure.
The rumours are rife re the hand job on the club captain & the bad feeling of how it happened.
It needs to be resolved ASP.
In my humble opinion the facts are these , we have three senior players out.
Probably at the higher end of the wage structure at a time when we are voluntarily working hand in glove with the football authority , to curb wages rising over sixty five per cent of turnover . Mr Wharton should recognise that fact & allow [even temporarily] higher loan player wages. To attract the right class of much needed reinforcements .
Whatever happens the club has to carry on . This week next week & long after the present board & Management team have popped their clogs.
On Saturday we face Sheffield United one of the best supported clubs in the league.
It is already a tough call , if we had a full squad it would be a hard game.
It is already an uphill struggle for the lads representing our Team .
There has never been a time when support for the lads wearing our colours is more needed.
The last thing the club needs is fans walking out now.
If you are loyal to the Club Get behind the Team on Saturday .
Not a Happy clapper a Football Fan !”
by HattyTood
Thursday, September 06 2012, 1:30AM
“With the signings Knill has made, is it any wonder Wharton is holding tight to his money ;)”
by Mr_G_
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 11:35PM
“which better players barton?and if your ex supporters why bother protesting or have you nothing better to do.
and if i hear one more oh quick lets get laws in!-get a grip stop living in the past and look forward. if and its a big if knill goes one way or another we new new blood and fresh ideas not people who are happy on gardening leave cos the club still has to pay their wages.
keep shouting for knill to go but if you honestly think by writing it on here it.ll make it happen then you are deluded beyond belief.”
by bartonscorp
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 10:57PM
“You are correct FredGough, Wharton is where the big problem is, he is guiding us out of the football league, he made Knill get rid of all the better players, and will not give concent for the manager to get decent players in, so what are people expecting ???????
We should hold a large gathering of ex-supporters, and protest what Wharton has and is doing to our club.
Hope you are taking care of your vast money Wharton.
UP THE IRON. (there is a shortage of Happy Clappers on here)”
by carllewis2010
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 10:06PM
“Mr squirrel worrier can you try the same trick on your bike when wharton is in glanny carpark.If he drops his wallet it will be like winning the lottery ? "UP THE IRON"!!!”