Wilcox hails Iron will

Russ Wilcox hopes the doom and gloom which had begun to creep into Scunthorpe United has been cleared by Tuesday night’s win over Coventry City.

The 2-1 success, secured by goals from Paddy Madden and Lyle Taylor, came with a much-improved performance after Saturday’s capitulation at Chesterfield.

That 4-1 reverse had brought harsh words from Wilcox and chairman Peter Swann, but the players responded in the right way.

‘There is a great togetherness about them and a commitment to this club. I asked for a response from them after the disappointment of our 4-1 defeat at Chesterfield on Saturday – and I knew I would get one from this group,’ said Wilcox in his post-match press conference.

‘I know the sending off was the turning point but this was a huge win for us, for lots of reasons. There has been a lot of doom and gloom about the club.

‘When you look at where we are in the table, it is understandable – but there was a bit too much of it in my eyes.

‘I want to be successful at this football club and I think he players have shown in their performance that they are behind me and my staff.’

Frank Nouble had put the Sky Blues into an early lead, against the run of play, but the Iron took control when Reda Johnson was sent off after 24 minutes.

The visiting captain aimed a headbutt at Iron forward Lyle Taylor, resulting in a straight red card for violent conduct.

‘It is often difficult to play against teams with 10 men but I thought we were superb,’ added Wilcox.

‘We were patient, we passed the ball well and scored two great goals. ‘Coventry are an outstanding team with 11 players, one of the best in this division, and hey are still a very good one with 10.’

Coventry boss Steven Pressley felt Johnson had let his team down.

‘I do not expect my captain to do something like that, and I have told him so,’ he said.

‘He has held his hands up and apologised, you just cannot put your head towards an opponent.’