Scunthorpe’s Russ Wilcox Equals 126 Year Old Record

Since sacking Brian Laws on 20 November and appointing Russ Wilcox, firstly as caretaker manager then given the job permanently, Scunthorpe have not lost a game. Having just been dumped out of the FA Cup by local rivals Grimsby Town the Board took action and sacked Brian Laws. Scunthorpe were 12th in League 2, but after 23 games in charge Wilcox’s side has not lost a game!

The last manager to achieve an unbeaten run from appointment was William Sudell of Preston North End all the way back to 1889.

League Managers Association Chairman, Howard Wilkinson, said:-

It is a fantastic achievement for an unassuming and modest man who has proved that dedication, hard work, persistence and a passion for the game can eventually achieve the extraordinary. My first memory of Russ goes back to the 80’s when I tried to sign him at Sheffield Wednesday. He was an outstanding centre half playing for Frickley Athletic at the time.

The determination and resilience he has shown in rising through the ranks, sometimes painfully slowly, from part-time player, to league player, coach and now league manager is remarkable and worthy of tremendous credit and respect.

This is an inspirational story for any would be coach or manager.

Russ Wilcox himself had this to say on Iron Player:-

It’s been an amazing time,. To go 23 league games undefeated is crazy really. It’s half a season. There has to be massive credit to everybody involved – the players, the staff; everybody. We’ve got to keep going now.

We have to carry on. Everybody around us got their results tonight, but it’s another game knocked off and there’s still a long way to go yet.

I didn’t know the stat – I only saw it this morning. It’s not about myself, it’s about the group and they should be proud of that. I’m proud of myself to be in charge of such a great squad of players. They are so together.

Scunthorpe entertain Wycombe Wanderers this Saturday, where the 126 year old record could be broken. Sometimes changing your manager part way through the season can change your fortunes. Scunthorpe United are now 2nd in League 2 and looking good for automatic promotion and straight back to League 1.