Iron News Round-Up

Last updated : 25 January 2003 By Luke Thornhill
Southend Team News: Steve Torpey and Cliff Byrne are rated at less than 50 per cent ahead of this afternoon's match against Southend United, with Wayne Graves also out with a bug.

With Matty Sparrow suspended that leaves Iron manager Brian Laws facing the prospect of losing four first team regulars.

Peter Beagrie is set to again take a place on the bench, as he continues his return from injury.

Gates: Chief executive Don Rowing has told BBC Radio Hull that the low gates experienced this season, with some fans vowing not to return after the Ticketing fiasco ahead of the Leeds United game, could seriously hamper the club's hopes of promotion.

He said: "With the best will in the world we cannot realise the ambitions of these people with such a small support base."

Brian Laws added: "It is vital that our supporters turn up on Saturday, the club cannot survive on 2,500 gates. It make it even more difficult to hang on to our good young players because they're the only other area we can generate revenue from"

Dawson: Another long-term contract has been offered to left-back Andy Dawson who is still on weekly terms after rejected a longer deal in the summer. At the moment he could leave for another club whenever he wanted.