Andy Butler sacked by Scunthorpe United after Tamworth drubbing

A 4-1 thrashing at Tamworth on Tuesday proved to be Andy Butler’s final game in charge of Scunthorpe United.

The National League outfit have lost six of their last seven games, leaving them 22nd in the table with 10 points from 14 matches.

That marks a stark contrast to last season, when Scunthorpe finished fifth on their return to Step 1 and reached the play-offs, only to lose their semi-final against the eventual promotion winners at Wembley, Rochdale.

Appointed in May 2024, Butler guided the Iron to promotion from National League North via the play-offs in his first full season in charge.

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Players didn’t look bothered

However, a poor start to this season prompted the club’s board to meet and discuss his future on Wednesday morning, with Scunthorpe confirming his departure in the afternoon.

The former Iron defender had already voiced his frustration with his players following the midweek defeat, questioning the commitment of some members of his squad in an interview with BBC Radio Humberside.

“You do a load of meetings in terms of how Tamworth play,” he said. “They don’t complicate things, they put it into the box, make you challenge for headers.

“We lost first ball, second ball, didn’t track runners. If I’m being brutally honest, a lot of players didn’t even try – I can be [honest] now.

“I’ve protected them a lot. I think a little bit of harsh reality in terms of the players didn’t look bothered, not all of them but a few of them.

“You’re always going to be fighting an uphill battle if you haven’t got players on the pitch who are giving 100%.

“That’s me speaking truthfully.

“Again, I’ve always protected the players, but right now, they have to have a little bit of self-reflection and a bit of realisation, they’ve just been beaten by a part-time side.”

Fantastic commitment

Butler took charge of 127 games during his time at the North Lincolnshire side, winning 62 and recording a win rate of just under 50 per cent.

In a statement on their website, the club thanked Butler for his “his fantastic commitment, work rate and dedication during his whole time at Scunthorpe United, of which we undoubtedly know he gave his all”.

The club added: “We wholeheartedly wish Andy the very best for the future, and look forward to watching him continue to grow and flourish in the game wherever it takes him next.

There is little time for Scunthorpe to dwell on their latest defeat, with a trip to Lincolnshire rivals Boston United up next on Saturday.

Jacob Butterfield and Ross Barrows will take interim charge, while assistant manager John Schofield has also left the club.

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