SOLID IRON SHOW STEEL

PSROMOTION winning boss Andy Butler is preparing himself for a 'massive' summer after leading Scunthorpe United back to the National League at the end of his first season in charge of the club.

- Chris Sumpter

The Iron secured their first promotion in 11 years last Sunday by beating Chester 2-1 in a tight and tense National League North promotion final at Glanford Park.

More than 9,000 fans a record for the level saw Danny Whitehall give the home side the lead in the first-half, only for the Seals to hit back after the break with Connor Woods' penalty sending the contest into extra-time.

It was in the 105th minute that the Iron struck the deci sive, killer blow, with Carlton Ubaezuonu restored to the starting line-up because of an injury to top scorer Callum Roberts firing in at the second attempt.

While delighted to have led the club with which he began his professional playing career to promotion as manager, Butler knows the hard work starts now as Scunthorpe seek to regain the Football League status they surrendered in 2022.

"It's going to be a massive summer," said the Iron boss, who took over from Jimmy Dean 12 months ago after the club had been beaten by Boston United in the play-off semi-finals.

"Everyone thinks the work stops now, but in reality it gets harder. Agents and players think we've got loads of money because we're going up a division.

"It's up to us now to get the best squad together to compete in the National League.

"Winning promotion is brilliant. I'm ecstatic for the owners and everyone who has brought the club back to life and for the players, the fans and the town.