THERE will be two former Scunthorpe United players looking to make an impact against their old club at Gainsborough tonight.

And one hoping to do the same in the dugout.

Since leaving management and Brigg Town behind at the end of last season, Steve Housham has been adapting to his new role as Trinity's youth development officer.

In practice that means keeping an eye out for any fresh, young talent, while at the same time helping boss Brian Little manage the first-team.

It was an opportunity not to be missed for the ex-United midfielder, who is certain the future is bright for his home town club.

Tonight's pre-season friendly will be an opportunity to prove that to the fans, while for Jonathan Williams and Rory Coleman – released by Scunthorpe earlier this summer – it is a chance to simply prove a point.

"There's no regrets," Housham said of his switch from the Zebras.

"I'll always look out for Brigg and Scunthorpe's results because they're my previous clubs. But now I'm with Gainsborough.

"It's a bit of a dream. It's my hometown club and I can see it doing very well, which is really exciting.

"There's lots of things going on, which is pleasing.

"I'm enjoying it and am learning a great deal working under Brian Little.

"I always wanted to improve myself, that's why I came here.

"It's a massive experience for me.

"I've lived here all my life.

"When I left Scunthorpe United I had the chance to join here, but I was still fairly ambitious and chose Barrow instead.

"I've never known this club to be as ambitious as it is now.

"Hopefully we can produce something on the field."

Trinity have already done just that over the close season, thrashing Brigg 8-0 at the weekend.

But Housham, who wants to return to management in the future, knows tonight's test against the visiting Iron will be a different challenge.

"It was a strange feeling going back to Brigg and going into the opposition changing room and opposition dugout," the 35-year-old said.

"But it was good to be back.

"We played well, and that's nothing against Brigg. Technically they were good and did well, they're just a young team.

"I think there was only two players left from when I was there, they've all left for ventures new, but it was good to see the backroom staff.

"I'm sure they will carry on and do well.

"Tonight will be a bigger workout for us against my old team and my old skipper in Alan Knill (Scunthorpe manager).

"If we lose possession, it will be hard to get the ball back from Scunthorpe United.

"We need to look after the ball as best we can.

"Jonathan Williams and Rory Coleman could possibly feature.

"Those two players will be looking to create an impression. We'll just send them out to enjoy themselves.

"Those players would love to be league players and would love to be sat in the Scunthorpe United dressing room.

"But they'll get a chance to show what they can do against a Football League side."