Many people thought the departures of manager Brian Laws, and more recently star striker Andy Keogh, would have a negative effect on Scunthorpe's season - but that certainly hasn't been the case. The Iron have continued on an upward curve despite those two exits and last night's 1-0 win against promotion-rivals Bristol City saw them open up a three-point lead at he top of the table. Laws and Keogh may have left Glanford Park, but arguably the most important person at the club has stayed – namely Billy Sharp. The young striker celebrated his 21st birthday last night with a man-of-the-match performance against the Robins, as well as taking his seasonal tally to 21 with the only goal of the game. Givemefootball's Mark Shail got the thoughts of Richard Hinds, who played such an influential role in Scunthorpe's midfield engine room yesterday.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH THE RESULT LAST NIGHT?
A:I'm absolutely delighted. With Bristol City being up there challenging for promotion as well, it was a massive game for us. We defended well all night and when you've got Billy Sharp playing up front for you there's always a chance you're going to score.
Q:HIS WINNING GOAL WAS THE SIGN OF AN IN-FORM STRIKER, WASN'T IT?
A:It came from a quick free kick and we're always trying to get the ball into Billy's feet because we know what he is capable of doing inside the box. He took his goal brilliantly and he's almost unmarkable once he gets his body between the ball and the defender. I wasn't surprised when he scored that goal – he does it every day in training.
Q:HOW FAR CAN HE GO IN THE GAME?
A:In and around the penalty box, in terms of being a predator, he is probably one of the best in the country already. He knows he still has a lot of work to do before he plays at the highest level, but I'm sure he'll get there. His attitude in training is first class and he's also a fun person to have around the club.
Q:THE DEPARTURE OF ANDY KEOGH TO WOLVES DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE STOPPED THE CLUB'S FORWARED MOMENTUM?
A:No it hasn't, although losing Andy was a big loss. But we've still got Billy, we've also signed Jermaine Beckford, and there are a couple of injured strikers on their way back from injury. So in that respect we've managed to cope.
Q:IT WAS A SURPRISE TO SEE YOU PLAYING IN A CENTRAL MIDFIELD ROLE LAST NIGHT RATHER THAN AT FULL BACK?
A:I think I've played everywhere this season except in goal. I've played right back, left back, centre half, and now in midfield. It can be a bit annoying having to switch positions all the time because you can't get settled into one particular role – but I won't complain as long as a I'm in the team and we're winning.
Q:HAVE YOU BEEN SURPRISED BY THE TEAM'S SUCCESS THIS SEASON?
A:To be honest I have. I was talking to our previous manager Brian Laws at the start of the season and we both though it would be a much more difficult league this time round because of the clubs that came down from the Championship. After taking just three points from our first five games, you would have predicted we were more likely to be in a relegation scrap rather than challenging for promotion. But things have just gone from strength to strength.
Q:AND THE WAGON HAS KEPT ON ROLLING UNDER NEW MANAGER NIGEL ATKINS?
A:In fact, you could argue that w'’ve actually improved since he took over because we were never top of the league under Brian Laws. The board made a brave decision to appoint Nigel but I think they recognised the players needed someone to continue Brian's good work rather than upset the apple cart by bringing someone in from outside. Nigel is well respected by the players and has brought in some new ideas of his own as well, while he also has great support from the two coaches Andy Crosby and Ian Barraclough.
