Sam’s the Man!

Following 2 impressive performances on the spin – (away to MK Dons & at home to Huddersfield), Iron keeper Sam Slocombe may well be about to make his 3rd start on the spin.

The ex-Bottesford stopper could be about to do this for the Iron: continuing his covering for Sam Johnstone owing to the latter’s dislocated finger.

Said injury has caused the 18 year old Manchester United loanee keeper to miss Scunthorpe’s last 2 league games: 0-0, and 2-2, draws against both sides in the top 6 respectively.

And with significant doubts about Johnstone’s likelihood of fully recovering from time: and new-found resurgences in trust in the local lad Slocombe, it is thought that Brass, Knill & Cutler are unlikely to rush the loanee stopper back unnecessarily.

Having somebody who is theoretically the Iron’s 3rd Choice goalkeeper can only be a good thing at that as well of course.

Notably – Slocombe made a number of good saves, (including a simply excellent double one), against Lee Clark’s high-flying Huddersfield on Tuesday night – and justifiably received the sponsor’s man of the match award during the process.

Even if Johnstone does recover in time, (he will be assessed in training on Thursday), there is a really persuasive argument for rewarding Slocombe and starting him anyway – following his recent excellent performances.

Iron gaffer Alan Knill quite rightly heavily praised him for the quality of the performances – especially during the magnitude of the games and the quality of the sides & players he’s been facing.

This really can be part of living the dream for the keeper we signed for a pittance from Bottesford, and he’s seized it with both hands. Quite literally.

The support for him away to MK Dons from the visiting fans was absolutely fantastic – and it is expected to be exactly the same in the near future, (especially away from home). You can see the lad is just growing in confidence minute by minute and save by save.

And whilst Knill preaches about the fact that he’s delighted by competition – it can only truly be that if you’re prepared to start one over another dependant on form. This is the prime time for taking the plunge Alan. If not now, when?

I’ll tell you when – never. If Johnstone: merely being the big name, (as excellently as he has played recently), is picked ahead of Slocombe and his form – it will be a bleak moment for Scunny, and all those wishing to break into the team against the odds.

It’ll send out a horrible message to those who with a chance or two taken, would want to cement a starting place. For competition to be valued – it has to be real Alan!

So then Knilly – we trust you to do what’s best. Keep to your words. Pick him. He deserves it.

Up the Iron!