By Richard Wheeler
The last time Scunthorpe United visited Ninian Park for a Division Three encounter Nigel Adkins was more concerned with a magic sponge than a tactics board. In February 2001 the current United boss was the physio for the North Lincolnshire side and his task was simply to maintain the bodies of Alex Calvo-Garcia, Gareth Sheldon and Guy Ipoua. The game finished 3-0 to the Bluebirds with a rare Danny Gabbidon brace doing the damage.
Six years further forward the Iron sit ninth in the Championship after a midweek 2-1 away victory over Sheffield Wednesday. The team are following the message passed to them by manager Adkins. They are "living the dream".
Adkins is a man who looks to inspire his side. By asking the players to take inspiration from Russell Crowe's 'Gladiator' the former Tranmere Rovers, Wigan Athletic and Bangor City goalkeeper has led Scunthorpe beyond their realistic expectations.
Promotion from League One as champions last season finished an exceptional first season in charge for Adkins. The Championship season began in a similar manner. A 1-1 draw away at Charlton Athletic was soon followed by a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Glandford Park. The away form soon suffered but home wins over Preston North End and Sheffield maintained confidence.
In their last three away games Scunthorpe's whole-hearted performances have been matched by positive results. A draw with Norwich and victory over Colchester were followed by the recent Sheffield Wednesday success.
Speaking after the last win Adkins said: "We've come to Sheffield Wednesday and I think it's the first time Scunthorpe United have won at Hillsborough, so we're delighted with that.
"We've gone behind, we've tried to keep the crowd quiet and bang on 20 minutes they go and score a penalty.
"But what great character we've shown to come back and score. The set play that we have worked on worked a treat."
Two goals from Northern Ireland u-21 international Martin Paterson secured the points and took the striker's tally up to seven for the season. The summer signing from Stoke City has earned favourable comparisons from Adkins to former terrace hero Billy Sharpe who was sold to Sheffield United in pre-season.
Midfielder Matt Sparrow and defender Cliff Byrne are two long-term Scunthorpe first team members who have played vital roles in creating club history. The club elected into the Football League in 1950 are no longer famous simply for producing Kevin Keegan.
