Preview: Scunthorpe United v Bristol City

Last updated : 10 September 2010 By Iron-Bru.net

Overview
This match seems like something of a sideshow, given a week focused on the managerial future of Nigel Adkins. We cannot be sure who will be in charge of the side on Saturday - Adkins took charge of training on Thursday, saying the club were "preparing as professionally as possible".

Iron team news
Jim McNulty (ankle) is not expected to be fit. Garry Thompson (groin) remains out until October.

City team news
Danny Rose, the Tottenham Hotspur winger who is an England U21 international, signed on loan for the Robins on Thursday, but is unable to play because of an ankle injury.

City in profile
Established: 1897
Nickname: Robins
Historical achievements:  City enjoyed some success prior to World War One, finishing second in Division One in 1906/07 and reaching the FA Cup final in 1909. They spent much time in the lower divisions until 1982 when, following relegation to Divison Four, they wen bankrupt. They only spent two seasons in the bottom division, and since then have spent their time in the second and third tiers of English football dreaming of promotion to the top flight. The closes they got was in 2008, when a late goal from Dean Windass saw them defeated by Hull City in the Championship play-off final. That was the highlight of Gary Johnson's reign as manager, with him eventually leaving the club towards the end of last season. Steve Coppell was appointed in April, as the club looked to bring in several new players for a promotion push. He, surprisingly, resigned after just three games of this season and was replaced by his asssitant Keith Millen.
Manager: Keith Millen

Stats and figures
City travel north without a win to their name, and just two points. They were defeated 2-0 at Ipswich on their last outing before the international break. Their points have been via a 1-1 draw with Doncaster and 3-3 stalemate with Barnsley. Despite recruiting David James, who represented England during the World Cup finals in South Africa, they have yet to keep a clean sheet. Brian McAllister is their only player to have more than one goal to his name, in comparison the Iron have Jonathan Forte (three), Michael O'Connor and Chris Dagnall (both on two) on double figures in all competitions.

Past meetings
Historically the two sides have been pretty evenly matched - in North Lincolnshire each side has won three times, with a draw on four occasions. At Ashton Gate the Robins have four victories compared to the Iron's three. The last meeting was at Glanford Park in April, when the Iron triumphed 3-0.
Click here for our full record of meetings between the two sides


Ticketing
Away suppporters are hosted in the South Stand, with entrance through turnstile gates nine and 10. A shuttle bus service is provided between Reading Central railway station and the stadium.
The match is category B, meaning prices range from £20-£24 for adults, £15-17 for senior/U21s and £10 for U16s.

Referee
Andy Haines (Tyne & Wear)

Betting
Scunthorpe 6/4 / Draw 9/4 / Bristol City 7/4 (Paddy Power)

Competitive English footballl on TV this weekend
Saturday: Everton v Manchester United (Premier League, 12.45pm, Sky Sports 2)
Burnley v Preston North End (Championship, 5.15pm, BBC1)
Sunday: Birmingham City v Liverpool (Premier League, 4pm, Sky Sports 1)
Monday: Stoke City v Aston Villa (Premier League, 8pm, Sky Sports 1)

 

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