Wharton explains absence

Last updated : 04 May 2011 By Luke Thornhill

Wharton was due to sit on the panel to answer questions from supporters, but pulled out on the morning of the event due to a chest infection which also prevented him from attending Saturday's 5-1 Championship loss at Nottingham Forest.

"I would like to express my disappointment that illness prevented me from attending Tuesday night's fans' forum," he said in a statement released ont he club's official website.

"I apologised to BBC Radio Humberside and offered to text or email if any questions could not be answered by the panel, but they declined this offer as it would lose the spontaneity the occasion required."

The club's general manager David Beeby, manager Alan Knill and assistant Chris Brass answered questions in front of around 100 supporters at Glanford Park.

"I listened to the broadcast and I thought Alan Knill, Dave Beeby, and Chris Brass, dealt with all the questions extremely well," added Wharton.

"From what I have seen so far, I have been so impressed by Alan and his back up team of Chris Brass and Neil Cutler. 

"Alan's philosophy on the way the game should be played, his hard work ethic and his eagerness to develop young, hungry and energetic players is exactly what we believe Scunthorpe United should be about."