Alexander takes on Iron task

Scunthorpe United have appointed Graham Alexander as their new boss on a three-and-a-half year deal.

The caretaker team of Nick Daws and Andy Dawson will stay on and assist Alexander with first-team duties, as the Iron seek to launch a late play-off bid.

Lying 6 points off Barnsley with nine games to play, Alexander told Scunthorpe’s official website, “I’m an ambitious guy, I want to win things. The guys in charge at the club are exactly the same and I’m sure we’ll do great things here.”

The former Fleetwood Town boss led the Cod Army to the outskirts of the League One play-offs last season and returns to Scunthorpe 25 years after making his debut for the Iron.

On making the move the 44-year-old Scot had the following to say: “Just coming up the motorway there, the butterflies started as soon as I could see the floodlights coming into view. I realised it was 28 years since I made that first drive as a 16-year-old and I feel as excited as I did then. It’s fantastic to be back.

“It’s been a whirlwind last couple of days. When any manager gets a new job they just want to get on the training pitch and be with the players. I’m really looking forward to meeting them on Wednesday, and the staff too, ahead of that. We’re all in the same boat, we all want Scunthorpe to do well.”

“There are a lot of good players in this squad, without a doubt. For whatever reason it hasn’t fulfilled its potential this season but that’s my remit, to come and assess, and try to improve it,” Alexander said.

Scunthorpe chairman Peter Swann added: “Over the last couple of weeks we felt it quite important that, if we were to have a manager in place, now would be a good time.

“I’ve been out there and interviewed a few people and felt Graham was one of the best candidates for the job. Graham has the advantage of three years’ managerial experience under him, through our league and below.

“He has an affinity with Scunthorpe, which is good as well, having started his career with us, and I’m looking forward to working with him. Nick Daws and Andy Dawson have done a fantastic job, and have been very professional. They are still very much a big part of the football club.”

Alexander will be in the dugout for United’s Good Friday game with Barnsley.