Scunthorpe United recently parted company with manager Andy Butler, but who could they turn to in order to fill the void and get the club out of the relegation zone in the National League?
Currently, the Iron find themselves 23rd in the National League following Saturday’s defeat against Boston United, sitting seven points off safety just months after finishing in the play-off places.
Following their top-seven finish, Scunthorpe suffered the losses of Cal Roberts and Oliver Ewing in particular – adding further pressure onto the side, ahead of the new campaign.
With 11 defeats in 15 matches so far this season, pressure is on for the Iron to get themselves out of trouble and back towards the top end of the table.
What profile of manager do Scunthorpe need?
Following the departure of Butler and their current league position, it is likely that the club have eyes on a manager with a proven pedigree or experience in the EFL.
📰 𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓: 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐲 𝐁𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐫
Following a meeting of the Board of Directors this morning, Scunthorpe United can confirm first team manager Andy Butler has been relieved of his duties.
Full statement 👉 https://t.co/7jXF8md7gW
Andy departs with our gratitude for his fantastic commitment, work rate and dedication during his whole time at Scunthorpe United, of which we undoubtedly know he gave his all. 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.
The club will be making no further comment at this time, with further details will be provided in due course.
#UTI #IRON
— Scunthorpe United FC (@SUFCOfficial) October 28, 2026
The club experienced success under Andy Butler, clinching promotion back to the National League before reaching the play-off places last season.
Though performances haven’t hit the required levels this season thus far, there is an argument to be had that a similar type of manager could be the preferred option.
With that in mind, here are four potential targets Scunthorpe could consider next…
Andy Crosby:
With the EFL experience in mind, one candidate that the Iron may turn to is former Tranmere Rovers manager Andy Crosby.
The 53-year-old has had spells with Tranmere & Port Vale thus far, but has been out of work since March, following a disappointing end to his time with the former – losing ten of his final 11 matches.
However, Crosby is a former Scunthorpe United player, making over 170 appearances across all competitions for the Iron – retiring with them in 2010. He’s also had coaching roles with the likes of Reading, Sheffield United and Southampton.
He was a ‘no-nonsense’ defender during his playing days and that approach could be exactly what Scunthorpe needs in order to get out of their ongoing rut, conceding fewer goals and improving on the basics.
Luke Williams:
After having almost two-months out of action, the vacancy at Scunthorpe United may have came at the perfect time for Luke Williams.
The 45-year-old was dismissed as manager of Peterborough United earlier this season, following a frustrating start to the campaign, though still has managed to maintain his positive PPG (points per game) throughout all of his stints.
Williams’ most successful stint came in the National League with Notts County, going toe-to-toe with Wrexham before clinching promotion via the play-offs. He’s also managed as high as the Championship with Swansea City.
Though location is likely to play a major factor in this suggestion, Scunthorpe have shown ambition to try and return to the EFL, whilst it would also give Williams the opportunity to go back to a successful level and showcase his abilities once again.
Stuart Maynard:
Admittedly, this would take some serious effort to land – but former York City manager Stuart Maynard is likely to be someone the board could be interested in.
Maynard was the mastermind behind their title win last season, securing 33 victories in 46 matches and scoring 114 goals in the process – but was surprisingly dismissed as manager within weeks.
Similarly, the 46-year-old has impressed in the National League previously with Wealdstone as well as securing two play-off campaigns with Notts County whilst they were in League Two.
Following York’s title triumph, one could argue that Maynard has proven to be better than the National League and thus ruling a move to Scunthorpe out. However, location-wise, there may be a conversation that the Iron could be an ideal move should he want a swifter return to a role rather than holding out for the EFL.
Adam Lakeland:
Unlike the other possible options, Adam Lakeland is in work at present, as he is the current manager of National League North side Morecambe.
Lakeland had positive stints with King’s Lynn Town and FC Halifax Town, making his summer switch to the Shrimps a surprise – though after a rocky start under challenging circumstances, they sit just outside the play-off places.
The 41-year-old impressed with Halifax, playing an exciting brand of football with key players like Will Harris and Jay Turner-Cooke at his disposal.
However, despite being in work, the continued problems surrounding Morecambe and a recent transfer embargo being placed on the club – Scunthorpe could offer Lakeland more stability back in the National League.
Readers, what are your thoughts on these suggestions?
