NL 2025/26 Preview: Scunthorpe United

7th July 2025 7:39 pm

Scunthorpe United – 2025/26 Season Preview: Back for Good, or Another False Dawn?

The Iron are back. After two turbulent seasons in National League North, Scunthorpe United have clawed their way up, securing promotion via the play-offs to return to the National League. The relief at Glanford Park was palpable. A big club, big crowds, and now a big challenge ahead: staying up, stabilising, and maybe—just maybe—pushing towards the EFL again.

There’s optimism in the air around Scunthorpe, but it’s cautious optimism. Fans have seen false dawns before, and while Andy Butler has brought unity and direction, everyone knows survival in the National League is no picnic. The key question: is this squad ready for the step up, or will the Iron find themselves in another scrap?

2024/25: The Year of Getting It Done

League Position: 2nd (National League North, Play-off Winners)
Average Attendance: 4,399 (highest in the division)
FA Cup: Third Qualifying Round (lost at Guiseley)
FA Trophy: 2nd Round (lost at home to Rylands)
Top Scorer: Callum Roberts (21 goals)

Scunthorpe’s 2024/25 season was about one thing: promotion. The Iron weren’t always pretty, but they were effective, harnessing the backing of the division’s largest crowds to drive them through tough patches. Cup competitions were forgettable, but nobody was complaining as long as the play-off mission was completed.

Callum Roberts was the spearhead with 21 goals, supported by experienced heads like Mark Beck and Danny Whitehall, ensuring the club’s attacking quality often made the difference in tight games. Butler’s approach was clear: solid at the back, quick transitions, and leaning on moments of quality from Roberts and Rowley to unlock stubborn defences.

Squad for 2025/26: Solid Core, Exciting Additions

Squad numbers already confirmed and referenced above courtesy of Scunthorpe United Official website.

New Signings:

(4) Jean Belehouan (CB, Gateshead): Ex-Man United and Sheffield United youth, quick, vocal, 1v1 strong defender with National League experience.
(17) Oli Ewing (CM, Leicester City): Technical midfielder, likes to dictate play and join attacks, impressed at Buxton last season.
(7) Declan Howe (ST, Gainsborough Trinity): Back after smashing 67 goals in two seasons at Gainsborough, determined to prove himself in full-time football.
(22) Joey Dawson (Celtic): Adds technical depth and youthful energy.
(15) Dubem Eze (loan, Bolton): Skilful, direct, can beat players and provide final-third creativity.
(3) Branden Horton (Gateshead): Adds options at full-back.
Oli Rose (Defender from Peterborough United), Rory Watson (GK, York City season-long loan), Billy Chadwick (Versatile attacker from York City, loan until January)

Retained:

(19) Mark Beck, (5) Will Evans, (20) Kian Scales, (18) Max Brogan, (1) Maison Campbell, (33) Tyler Denton, (11) Joe Rowley, (14) Carlton Ubaezuonu, (6) Andrew Boyce, (9) Danny Whitehall, (10) Callum Roberts, (8) Alfie Beestin, (44) Ross Barrows, (21) Joe Starbuck

Departures:

Departed/released: Sam Fishburn, Jason Law, Fin Shrimpton, Michael Kelly (Boston Utd), Ross Fitzsimons (Northampton Town), Maxim Kouogun (rejected new deal and joined Hartlepool United), Michael Clunan (King’s Lynn Town)
Loans returned: Mo Fadera

Fans view

Scunthorpe fans are heading into the new season with cautious optimism and a dose of realism. Many see the bookies’ odds, which place the Iron around 22/1 for promotion, as fair, acknowledging that a playoff push would exceed most expectations while recognising the unpredictability of the National League. There’s a sense that clubs like York, Carlisle, and Forest Green are the favourites to watch, with Scunthorpe seen as an outside bet capable of an underdog run if things click. Memories of bouncing straight through divisions on the way down spark quiet hope that the reverse could happen, but few are shouting about promotion being a guarantee.

A major thread of concern among supporters centres on the goalkeeper situation following the departure of Ross Fitzsimons, who many felt was the best keeper in the division and a key part of last season’s success. Maison Campbell being lined up as the potential number one has divided opinion, with some willing to give him a chance, while others fear it’s a gamble too far, especially if the club doesn’t secure an experienced alternative before the season starts. The calls for a commanding, proven keeper to underpin the defence and maintain the spine of the team are growing, with many fans clear that this could be the difference between a solid mid-table finish and a genuine playoff challenge.

Overall, the mood among Scunthorpe fans is one of measured hope, underpinned by the reality that survival and stability remain key priorities in a competitive market. Supporters are encouraged by the look of the summer business on paper and back manager Butler’s decisions, but they remain clear-eyed about the challenges of adapting to the National League’s demands. With a few more targeted additions, especially between the sticks, fans believe the Iron can hold their own and perhaps surprise a few of the “big boys” if they hit form early in the campaign.

Style of Play and Gaps

Butler’s Iron will likely continue with a direct but structured style, using the physicality of Beck and Whitehall, the technical quality of Roberts and Ewing, and the creativity of Eze to break teams down. Belehouan’s arrival should add pace and composure to a defence that will be tested more frequently in the National League.

Identified Gaps:

Goalkeeper: A new first-choice or reliable backup needed with Fitzsimons gone.
Right-back: Fans flag concerns, with suggestions of a loanee needed if Starbuck isn’t deemed ready.
Midfield destroyer: While Ewing is a technical addition, the need for a tough, mobile midfield enforcer remains high on fan wishlists to handle the physical demands of the National League.
Centre-back depth: Maxim Kouogun signed for Hartlepool United so another CB will likely be required to ensure defensive cover.

There is also a sense the club is planning beyond just this season, with many signings hinting at a medium-term rebuild rather than a panic to survive.

Prediction: 10th–13th (Stable Return with Play-off Hopes if Momentum Builds)

Realistically, most fans would accept a solid mid-table finish as a platform for stability. But if Roberts, Howe, and Whitehall fire, and Butler’s side finds a rhythm, a push towards the play-offs isn’t out of the question.

Much will hinge on addressing those remaining gaps: securing a keeper, adding midfield bite, and perhaps a loan right-back. The squad has goals in it, the fanbase will back them in numbers, and the groundwork is in place for Scunthorpe to re-establish themselves as a serious National League force.