Leaving Scunthorpe United

Yesterday was my last game as PA announcer at Scunthorpe United. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly and I thoroughly enjoyed my four years in the role, but it’s the correct thing to do. If you didn’t read my article about it in the matchday programme, here’s what I wrote, which explains my reasons.

Scunthorpe United Programme Notes

Well, this is a tough set of programme notes to write. It’s not because I’ve left it right to the deadline without thinking about what I might talk about – which is usually what happens – but because I need to let you know that this will be my last game as pitch announcer at Glanford Park.

Yes, it’s time to sell your shares in my favourite pre-match eatery Costa, who will feel the loss more than most, and tweet me with any remaining gags about my matchday attire, because I’m stepping down.

I have absolutely loved doing this job; it genuinely was a childhood ambition, once I’d realised my chances of playing for the Iron were becoming slimmer as my waistline went in the opposite direction. I’m so honoured to have been asked to do it and I’ve loved every minute, but it has also meant sacrificing time with my family.

I currently work six days a week, and Saturday home games mean I don’t get a full day with my wife and young kids. I’m also based in West Yorkshire for work, so the journey over eats into any family time I do have. I know this is the right decision, but that doesn’t make it an easy one. I’ve been exceptionally proud to work for the club I’ve supported for more than 30 years and these opportunities do not come along often.

I’ll miss showing off in front of 4,000 people every other week, I’ll miss chatting about anything and everything to a host of people milling around the outside the ground on the way in, and I’ll even miss the good natured ribbing I take on social media for my charity shop suits, selection of shoes and counting abilities. It was good natured, right?

There have been some great moments – being drenched in champagne by Sam Slocombe to celebrate promotion, making hundreds of Pole to Goal contestants fall over in spectacular fashion, including a health and safety inspector, and having a section of the Donny Road End sing my name – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Thanks to the ace media team here at Glanford Park, including James who is taking over the PA role and will do a great job. I’ll even let him have my Phil Collins ‘No Jacket Required’ joke.

Most of all, thanks to you for making me feel so welcome, and I’ll see you in the stands soon enough to roar the lads on to promotion.

Up the Iron!

Find out more about my live event hosting experience, take a look at the dedicated section of the site.