20 Questions: Scunthorpe United

Mark Bodie, Scunthorpe, 21 years

What was your first game?

Scunthorpe v Newport County. Think we won 3-1 way back in the days of the Old Show Ground. If I remember rightly it cost me about 50p to get in (although my memory may have changed that figure)

Describe the most memorable and the worst game you have seen and why?

Most memorable has to be Wembley 99, although it's another game against Leyton Orient which probably sticks in my mind more. 2-0 down at home with 5 minutes to go and we pulled it back to win 3-2. I was only young at the time (about 8 or 9) so it really was a great ending. Worst game is the 5-0 loss at home to Doncaster Rovers, although most games against Doncaster and Lincoln are awful.

Scunny!

Who are your current local rivals and why?

Now that we're not in the same division as Grimsby, Hull or Lincoln, I suppose it would have to be Doncaster. Obviously a geographical thing though.

Who are the best and worst players you have seen?

The worst player I've seen this season is Matt Carbon for Barnsley. For someone of his reputation he was absolutely shocking. Couldn't control the ball, head the ball, or find any of his players with his passing. The best player I've seen is our very own Billy Sharp. Absolute gem of a player. He's in the wrong league to be honest, a class about the rest.

How did you fare last season?

Before Christmas we looked like we were going to wrap up the league title by February. Paul Hayes was banging in goals left, right and centre, and we had one of the best defensive records in the country. Unfortunately, as we do every year, we went through an awful run over the Christmas period. Hayes forgot how to score (got 1 goal in about 22 games) and we lost key players in Andy Butler and Ian Baraclough to injury. The cup game against Chelsea was a huge highlight at the time, where in honesty we deserved a draw (according to the Chelsea fans anyway). Thankfully we started picking up a few points and finally stumbled across the line to finish in the top 3. An all-round highly successful and unexpected season to be honest.

Where do you think you'll finish up this season?

Before the season started I was hoping for a finish a place above the relegation places, but after this start I think we should be aiming for a top half finish. Having seen most of the other teams now this season, I think we can get 8th or 9th.

Following your promotion you have taken to League One like duck to water. Can you 'do a Rotherham' and go straight up again?

I hope not. Might sound a bit unloyal hoping we don't get promoted, but I don't think the club is ready for it. I'd like to see us stay in this division for a few more years yet before we even think about promotion. We certainly have a few players who could cope with it though.

Having signed the ironically named Billy Sharp from the Blunts, how impressed have you been with him?

One word - Legend. I saw him in a trial match for us before the start of last season, and I've been desperate for us to sign him ever since. I really do think he's playing far too far down the leagues (although obviously I'm pleased he is). He seems to have the ability to turn any defender from any angle, which he demonstrated by turning Matthew Upson inside out against Birmingham a couple of weeks back. Opposition defenders are terrified of his ability, and seem to be putting three men on him these days. Best signing for years.

If Scunny were a TV personality, who would it be and why?

Ant & Dec - doing far better than we should be for someone of our size. You know you shouldn't like us, but you just can't help it.

So what do you think of The Millers?

To be honest, until this season I wasn't really bothered one way or the other about Rotherham. Not really close enough to be a local rival, so I've not paid much interest. I'll form my opinion on Saturday I think.

Which current or former Millers player has impressed you the most?

Unfortunately, Leo Fortune-West. He's always been a thorn in our side, and it was no different when we played Doncaster this season. We just can't seem to cope with his strength.

Are you happy with your chairman and board members?

Wharton has come in for a lot of stick over the years, but he's certainly delivering on the footballing front. He's given Laws a fair bit of cash for a club of this size (obviously it's a big risk paying these sort of wages to Tommy Johnson, Peter Beagrie and Billy Sharp). Seems like his decision to come back as club chairman and re-appoint Laws straightaway is looking inspired.

Which team do you want to beat this season the most and why?

At the start of the season it was Barnsley, what with the Kell and Hayes transfers, but we've done that now. Possibly Chesterfield - always hated them. I'd love to beat Doncaster for a change though.

What sort of line up can we expect from you?
It'll be a 4-4-2 that's for sure. We've got a fairly settled side, but I think Laws will have to make a decision about the defence. We've got Stanton and Crosby looking to get back in the team, but dropping any of the defenders after Friday nights win at Tranmere would be harsh.

Obviously our front 4 attacking players (Beagrie, Till, Sharp and Keogh) are the ones to watch, but for me Richard Hinds has been our most consistent player so far this season. I think he might move into midfield for this game. As for weaknesses, I would have to say the keeper. Mussy is a fine shot stopper and pulled out some classy saves on Friday, but I'm not confident in his ability on taking crosses or kicking. Shame really as we have no backup.

What's your predicted score?
I'll go for a 3-2 win, with Sharp, Keogh and Till scoring.

Who's going up?
Brentford, Port Vale and Huddersfield

Swindon, MK Dons and hopefully Chesterfield

And finally….Meat and tatty, Beef n Onion or Balti?
Meat and tatty. Can I also suggest you don't try the Balti at Glanford Park!