Life after Laws

Being a football fan is a fickle business. There has been many-a-time I can recall where I have felt that I should shoulder a proportion of the blame for a home defeat or an early cup exit. 'Perhaps, if only, I’d worn the blue socks..?' These sorts of ludicrous notions seem to cross most supporters minds at some stage in their lives, but the truth resides somewhere within human error rather than this fanciful game of chance. Results are derived from tactical masterstrokes, adept (or inept) team selections, individual (be it managerial or player) error, poor individual performances, the manager's favourite, inadequate referees, and in the cases of some clubs the ability to purchase 90% of the international player quota. Disregarding the final point, it is clear that there are far too many variables for any one manager to be 'perfect.'

The Laws era, lasting little under 10 years, with a small break during 2004 for him to trim his buddleia, has seen two promotions from Division 3 to Division 2, and one relegation to the opposite effect. It has seen Scunthorpe United finish in their highest ever league position for over 40 years, several glamorous cup ties to the likes of Bolton, Chelsea and Portsmouth, and the near end of Scunthorpe's league existence. Throw into the equation some rather dubious pieces of man-management (stripping a player of his tracksuit in the club car park, for example) and it seems to suggest that turbulent is perhaps too light a word to use in reference to his tenure. That being said, it seems rather bizarre that, upon hearing of Brian Laws' departure on Monday 6th November, (which amazingly still came as a surprise to some people) some supporters are still bedazzled by his 'legacy'. It is understandable that supporters are leaving messages of well-wishing and thanks for the good times, however there seems to be a tide of 'staunch Lawsism'. Some quarters seem unprepared to believe that has left for pastures new, whilst others are blindly dismissing any potential candidate who may come into the job. I personally would have liked to see Brian Laws remain, at least for the rest of this season, to finish what could be a very successful year for Scunthorpe United FC. However, that is not to be, and it only seems proper that I should, even before a permanent replacement is found, make clear that I as a supporter will back the next person to step into the firing line 100%, at least to begin with. It must be stressed that all other supporters do the same, no premature slating on message boards or dismissals of candidates. Scunthorpe United is bigger than Brian Laws and despite his departure we will have 11 players on the pitch giving it their all every week, and they need our support now more than ever. There is no time for grieving, indeed this should not be such a time, we should all be looking forward with excitement to the next chapter in Scunthorpe United's history.

It would be unfair to dismiss the good of the last 10 years, as any other supporter I enjoy the teams success, be it promotions or good cup runs. The start made to this season in Division 2 has also been highly enjoyable, for the most part, with a good squad now in place and the lads playing some very attractive football at times, and it would be unfair to attribute this success solely to the players, as Mr. Laws must take some credit for the successes this season. I know that I will look back on the Laws years with some fondness and will certainly miss the man (perhaps for his 'unique way with words' as much as anything else), but we must try not to dwell on these years any longer.

Qué Será Será.

Sam Barnes