A Little Goes A Long Way

After Championship strugglers Scunthorpe part company with boss Ian Baraclough, Nobes talks about the importance of keeping perspective.

Ian Baraclough was in charge at Glanford Park for just six months

They're not used to sacking managers at Scunthorpe. Not since Mick Buxton left Glanford Park in 1997 have the Iron had to issue their boss with a P45.

It's just one of the reasons why chairman Steve Wharton's decision to axe Ian Baraclough last week - a first for Wharton himself - was one of the most surprising managerial departures of the campaign.

Baraclough, who spent the final four years of his playing career with United - winning two promotions along the way - had only been in charge of team affairs since September when Nigel Adkins left to join Southampton.

The chairman admitted that, although the 38-year-old inherited a squad destined to struggle towards the wrong end of the Championship, recent performances had not only shown a lack of quality but, more worryingly, belief.

Saturday's 2-0 loss at Ipswich, under the caretaker charge of Tony Daws, has left Scunthorpe second bottom of the division, five points shy of Crystal Palace - who currently occupy the final position of safety.

A repeat of last season's escape from the drop, where they secured consecutive campaigns in the second tier for the first time since the 1960s, is looking increasingly unlikely.

However, while it's a statistic which is at the heart of why Baraclough has lost his job, it's also why the Iron must now keep some perspective if they do lose their battle against the drop to League One.

In truth, Adkins was always going to prove a tough act to follow for whoever took over the reins at the Lincolnshire club.

The former physio delivered two promotions - including a title, a final appearance in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, and survival in the second tier during his tenure.

It was also achieved playing an attractive brand of football despite having a budget dwarfed by rivals.

Much of the criticism aimed towards Baraclough has stemmed from Scunny adopting a more direct game in their fight against the drop. All well and good when results are coming, but a noose around a manager's neck when they're not.

Iron fans would also argue that last season's heroics proved that staying up can be achieved by playing your way out of danger.

However, it would be worth pointing out that the loss of last season's top goalscorer Gary Hooper to Celtic along with the departure of midfielder Grant McCann severely weakened United's ranks.

Baraclough also had to contend with the sale of Martyn Woolford to Bristol City in the January transfer window - a decision which didn't aid their fight against the drop in any way.

His capturing of Joe Garner on loan from Nottingham Forest also appeared inspired, with the former Carlisle forward scoring vital goals to secure wins over Sheffield United and Swansea.

It makes the removal of Baraclough from his position appear all the more harsh. After all, their history and resources, not to mention attracting the division's lowest average crowds of just 5,600, aren't of Championship standard.

Nor would relegation be a disaster for the Iron. Under Adkins they were instantly demoted back to the third tier in 2008. However, he then helped them bounce back immediately.

For the club who finished just a few points above the drop zone in League Two in 2004, the history books will show they have spent three of the last four seasons in England's second tier.

Fans who spent years making trips to the likes of Macclesfield and Chester have become accustomed with visiting Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace in recent years - and they don't want to give it up without a fight.

Nigel Adkins brought unprecedented success during his time at Scunthorpe

Relegation to League One next season wouldn't be the end for Scunny, but expectations are now that they should be challenging for a return to the Championship.

Baraclough's tenure suggested he was not the man to lead that expected charge next term, and Wharton must now seek somebody to build on the legacy established at Glanford Park over the past seven years.

However, while it's natural for United to want to continue to punch above their weight in the Championship, just how realistic an aim is it?

Their average attendance would still only place them in mid table in the third tier - and that would be with smaller clubs bringing fewer away fans with them.

While the argument could be made that winning more games would bring more home fans, their average crowds in 2008/9 were still only around the 5,000 mark.

Of course, Scunthorpe have already proved that fan base and resources needn't hold you back when it comes to achieving things. The difficult part comes when consistently trying to punch above your weight though.

Their local rivals Grimsby were amongst a clutch of clubs ten years ago who held down a place in the second tier - looking down on much bigger and more illustrious opponents.

The Mariners now find themselves in the Conference, another such side, Stockport, are on course to join them there next term. Gillingham, Crewe, and Rotherham are all in League Two, which Walsall are battling to avoid dropping into.

Now the Championship is the fifth most watched league in Europe, with two thirds of its membership former Premier League teams, many playing in top class all-seater stadia.

The division below includes clubs like Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield, Charlton, Milton Keynes, and - when they move grounds during the summer - Brighton, all of whom are ready made for playing at that level of football at least.

In comparison the compact Glanford Park, with its capacity of under 10,000 and still sporting a terraced stand behind the goal, sticks out when viewed alongside more grand arenas.

It's why, compared to even ten years ago, clubs like Scunthorpe face an increasingly difficult job to muscle in with the big boys of the English game.

Depending on who comes up from League One, it's entirely plausible that next season's Championship won't see a single side with a four-figure average attendance. That's almost unheard of.

In the era of transfer windows and those with bigger budgets being able to carry larger squads, money is becoming even more important at all levels. Scunny may well find themselves priced out of the market.

The truth is, managers like Adkins who produce attractive and winning football on the pitch to a budget are rare. Throw in his ability to find cheap players and selling them on for a profit, and United's search for another may be an impossible one.

The reality may be that this was Scunthorpe's zenith, years spent competing with bigger and richer clubs that they can reflect upon with pride in the future.

The immediate future must now be treated with realism and looking to ensure that, like so many before them, relegation from the Championship doesn't begin a slide back down to the basement division.

While promotion back is the dream, the focus must be on solidifying in League One. For the club from a county known for its flatness, it's time for Scunthorpe to keep their feet on the ground.

Big Match Analysis - Watford 0 Scunthorpe 2

We continue our look at defending in the Football League with special guest analysis by Lakes from our Big Match.

Watford 0-2 Scunthorpe United

Saturday October 23, Vicarage Road, (Att: 12,366)

On the back of a fine win against Preston, Scunthorpe meant business in this brisk Championship encounter and Watford's defence started to show one or two creaky elements.

After shipping two goals in midweek, keeping a clean sheet was clearly a priority for Scunny - and their defence held robustly throughout the match.

Watford 0 Scunthorpe United 1

It was all about the volleys at Vicarage Road - and the bar was set pretty high early on. But what was the Watford defence doing?

Scunthorpe delivered a long ball into the box, it was headed across the centre of the 18-yard box before being headed again back out to the edge of the box.

What were Watford doing? Chasing air - that's what. For when Cliff Byrne - not to be confused with snooker pro Cliff Thorburn - unleashed his volley, it flew through the Watford defence like a mildly warm knife through slightly chilled butter. Poor show Hornets.

Watford 0 Scunthorpe United 2

Long balls and looping headers seemed to be the order of the day, and Scunthorpe's second was no exception. WHOOSH, a long ball, THWACK, a header out, and BLAM, a volley into the bottom right corner.

Watford's defence all at sixes and sevens again.

Conclusion:

Watford are something of an enigma at home - rarely threatening the opposition and conceding via simple defensive mistakes.

A man on the edge of the box closing down the opposition could've easily blocked the two volleyed goals from Scunthorpe, and the lack of learning from the first goal ultimately cost them dearly.

Not a sexy show from Watford, but Scunthorpe remained solid at the back throughout and knocked the Hornets down a peg or two with a very simple, well-executed game plan.

If I were a Watford fan I'd worry about how easily this defence was usurped by the footballing fundamentals.

Big Match Review - Watford 0 Scunthorpe 2

Watford 0-2 Scunthorpe United

Saturday October 23, Vicarage Road, (Att: 12,366)

Volleyed goals from Cliff Byrne and Martyn Woolford helped Scunthorpe United on their way to an impressive win at high-flying Watford.

In a tight opening, it was the visitors who had the first opportunity when Scott Loach stopped Freddie Sears's shot. However, the Iron were ahead soon after.

After Michael O'Connor had pumped a ball in the box, the home side failed to clear their lines. The ball was headed back to captain Byrne on the edge of the area who unleashed an unstoppable right footed volley into the bottom corner.

Malky Mackay's men tried to respond, but found themselves frustrated by a determined rearguard display from their Lincolnshire opponents. Michael Bryan going closest with a volley wide.

Instead, it was Scunny who doubled their advantage in spectacular style in first stoppage time. When a poor headed clearance from another deep cross fell to the feet of Woolford he acrobatically volleyed the ball home.

In the second period, Loach was called upon to make another stop from Sears as the away side threatened to further increase their lead.

A couple of efforts from range from Stephen McGinn was the closest the Hornets came to beating Tony Warner all afternoon as the Iron comfortably saw out the rest of the game.

A second away win in a week then moves United further away from trouble, but puts a dent in Watford's top six ambitions.

Big Match Preview

Watford vs. Scunthorpe United

Saturday October 23, 15:00, Vicarage Road

Two of the Championship's smaller outfits currently enjoying differing fortunes meet in the Home Counties this weekend as high-flying Watford entertain Scunthorpe.

While the Hornets go into the game sitting in 3rd, their visitors from Lincolnshire sit just three points above the drop zone in 18th.

When considering the resources and budget at Scunny however, a similar finishing position come the end of the campaign would represent a huge success for the division's minnows.

It would arguably be an even greater achievement than last season's survival, too, after the Iron lost hugely influential manager Nigel Adkins to Southampton last month.

His replacement was first team coach Ian Baraclough who, although part of Adkins's staff, is stepping up into his first ever managerial role.

It's tough to imagine a greater baptism of fire, but the 39-year-old has responded well to the task so far - with two wins, two draws, and three defeats from his seven games.

That's included a thumping 4-0 victory at Sheffield United and Tuesday evening's 3-2 comeback win at Preston. They also secured three points on the road on the opening day at Reading.

United will be confident, therefore, that they can come back from the trip down south with something to show for their efforts.

Key to their hopes will be attacking pair Chris Dagnall and Martyn Woolford - both of whom were on the scoresheet at Deepdale in midweek.

Ian Baraclough is charged with keeping Scunthorpe up this season

They'll be facing a stern test at the other end of the pitch however, with the Hornets the Championship's top scorers. They've notched up 25 goals in their 12 games to date.

Top scorer David Graham has already bagged eight goals. He and Marvin Sordell - just one behind on seven - will be a real threat for the home side on Saturday.

Despite their fine form in front of goal, Malky Mackay's side have a patchy record at Vicarage Road so far, with two wins, two defeats, and two draws from their half a dozen home games.

They returned to winning ways in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Ipswich. They've also seen off Middlesbrough at home, but Leeds and Swansea have both left with maximum spoils from their trips to Hertfordshire.

Like his opposite number this weekend, Mackay is a young manager in just his second full season in charge at Watford. He will be keen to address his side's home failings to ensure they remain competitive.

However, after a difficult second half of last season, he will be optimistic that he has a squad capable of avoiding being involved towards the wrong end again.

It's fair to say, too, that most pundits would have expected these two teams to be struggling towards the foot of the division, but both sides are confounding the critics to date.

This promises to be a hard-fought encounter between two hard-working sides, but Watford's greater striking power may just edge it in their favour on the day.

Nobes' Prediction: Watford 2 Scunthorpe United 1

Right Man for the Right Job

Southampton's appointment of Nigel Adkins as their new boss has Nobes suggesting it's all about finding the right man for the right occasion.

Nigel Adkins twice led Scunthorpe to promotion from League One

In a statement after the departure of Alan Pardew, Southampton claimed that the appointment of Pardew's replacement would show chairman Nicola Cortese "meant business."

They were right. In luring Nigel Adkins from Scunthorpe, the Saints have landed a manager who has shown that, when it comes to earning promotion into the Championship, he knows what it takes.

For all the talk of big names and former top flight coaches, the South Coast club have opted for a former physio turned manager from one of the game's least fashionable outposts.

However, Adkins, a genial Liverpudlian, has shown over recent years a capability for achieving results against the odds. He merits his opportunity, albeit in a lower division, at a club with genuine Premier League pedigree.

His managerial CV to date shows two promotions from League One with Scunthorpe, including as Champions in 2007. It was the first time the Iron had been in the second tier for over 40 years.

Unsurprisingly, it lasted just a year, but Scunny immediately bounced back into the Championship and, last term, Adkins worked miracles to keep them there for a second successive season.

During his time in Lincolnshire, he also developed an eye for recruiting strikers such as Martin Paterson and Gary Hooper before selling them on for a big profit. Everton's Jermaine Beckford first found his feet during a loan spell with the Iron under Adkins, too.

Of course, while selling stars was a case of needs-must to keep the Glanford Park club punching above their weight, he will find things completely different at St Mary's.

He must handle the huge raise in expectations and demands. Promotion from League One is the minimum requirement for Saints. It was merely a bonus at Scunthorpe.

His experience and know-how should serve him well though. Saints need it, too. Last weekend's defeat at Swindon left them in the bottom four in the embryonic standings.

He will be walking into a dressing room which, although low on morale, is still the envy of the rest of the division. His noted motivational skills will be required, but then he should be able to turn results around quickly.

It is that experience of success which should also serve to reassure Southampton supporters left bemused and anxious at the goings-on at their club over the past fortnight.

Indeed, a quick glance across the Football League is further proof that, as so often, there is very little substitute for experience.

The top two teams in the Championship, QPR and Cardiff, both have managers, in Neil Warnock and Dave Jones respectively, who have won promotion to the top flight before.

Early League One pacesetters Peterborough are in good hands under Gary Johnson - who took Bristol City into the Championship as runners-up to Adkins and Scunthorpe.

Two of the top three teams in League Two are managed by men with recent experience of promotion from that division, too. Shrewsbury boss Graham Turner was promoted with Hereford in 2008, and Port Vale's Micky Adams won the league with Brighton in 2001.

The experienced Gary Johnson is working his magic at Peterborough

All five, and Adkins as well, know what it takes to construct a promotion campaign. They know their respective divisions inside-out, they know the kind of players needed, and they know what's required of themselves.

Even dropping down into the Conference, it's no surprise to see AFC Wimbledon under the vastly experienced Terry Brown sitting top of the tree. Hotly in pursuit are big-spending Crawley and Steve Evans - who has experience of promotion from that level.

In each case, the respective chairmen of their clubs have hired managers with the intention of winning promotion from the division they currently find themselves in.

It sounds obvious, but if it were, we probably wouldn't see the huge managerial turnover we do. Simply put - a specialist job requires a certain type of manager suited to the task.

Over the years, it's become common to see struggling clubs make a late managerial switch in the hope of staving off the drop.

Ian Atkins, at both Bristol Rovers and then Torquay, helped keep both clubs in the Football League. Russell Slade has made a name as a managerial Houdini at first Brighton and then current club Leyton Orient last term.

In the case of Atkins, he failed to progress either Rovers or the Gulls much further than mid-table. Slade was fired at Brighton after a poor start last season and Orient currently reside in the bottom four of League One.

However, they achieved the initial goals they were brought in to do - namely beating the drop. The clubs too did their job - finding the right man for their brief. Too many don't.

Does anyone seriously believe that former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders is the man to lead Wrexham out of the Conference? What does he know about the Non Leagues? Being Welsh seemed to be the only reason he was appointed.

In the same division last season, Luton could have won the Conference had they sooner jettisoned Mick Harford - a man who never seemed to have a grip over what it took to be a manager.

Sentimentality to their former player saw them hold on too long and they paid the price.

Hereford's early strugglers under Simon Davey will fill Darlington fans with even more confidence that they are in much safer hands under experience Conference boss Mark Cooper than they ever would have been under Davey.

The same applies in the Football League. What, for instance, does Peter Reid know about League One? Plymouth's early struggles under the former Sunderland boss come as no surprise.

Clubs must learn to avoid the lure of the big name or the former player. Managerial appointments are all about suitability.

It's about the right man for the right club. The right man for the right scenario. The right man for the right division. The right man for the right job. Southampton have theirs.