Scunthorpe United confirmed the appointment of Andy Preece in midweek as the National League side finally replaced Andy Butler and began the task of climbing out of the relegation zone.

Preece arrived at Glanford Park from National League North side Chorley, with whom he had been with for several years and consistently outperformed expectations with a limited playing budget – though the step up to Scunthorpe is certainly the biggest jump of his career so far.

Heading into Saturday’s clash with high-flying Worthing – Scunthorpe are 23rd in the table, seven points off safest and have won just three of their opening 15 league matches thus far.

However, the new era can officially begin for the Iron, but moving away from matches – who could they turn to in the transfer market over the coming weeks?

Preece revealed via an interview with BBC Humberside Sport that its ‘up to me what I want to do’ in terms of shaping his new squad moving forward.

Where do Scunthorpe need to strengthen?

Firstly, Scunthorpe have conceded an average of two goals per game in the National League so far this season, which in itself is something that needs to be corrected quickly. In comparison, Braintree Town averaged the same goals conceded ratio in the division last campaign and were relegated as a result.

Within their last five matches, the Iron have lost them all and have conceded two or more goals per game in each of them, with their last league victory dating back to September against Hartlepool United – therefore defensive reinforcements are likely to be on the list.

Similarly, there is seemingly a lack of creativity when they have the ball at their feet. Despite ranking tenth in the division for accurate passes per game and eleventh for possession – they average the second-highest long-range passes and the fourth most crosses per game.

Therefore, the data suggests that Scunthorpe have been a route one side this season and have struggled to get the ball down and play the football that they proved they could do in the previous campaign.

Preece is likely to want an addition or two in the attacking areas, in particular a player that can dictate play, carry the ball when needed and create opportunities within the forward lines – rather than hitting it long and hoping something comes from it.

With that in mind, here are four players they could target in the coming weeks.

Stephen Walker (Yeovil Town, loan):

As mentioned, creativity has been somewhat of a problem for Scunthorpe this season, so one individual that can cover several positions and continue being a threat is Yeovil Town‘s summer signing Stephen Walker.

Walker joined the Glovers from Scarborough Athletic during the summer and immediately impressed in pre-season, though has struggled for game time in recent weeks.

Across all competitions, the 26-year-old has made 11 appearances for Billy Rowley’s side and has contributed to five goals – though he hasn’t managed to find the back of the net since August, suggesting he could benefit from a move back home.

The forward hit double figures for Scarborough last season and has resurrected his career following a challenging few years after his 2023 exit from Championship side Middlesbrough.

He is able to operate out wide, up top or an attacking midfield role, adding depth and quality as well as receiving regular minutes for a side that will give him the opportunity to return closer to home and show what he can do with an increase of confidence once again.

Craig Hewitt (York City, loan):

It is no secret that managers like to sign players they’ve worked with previously when joining new teams, and one player that could make his return to Andy Preece is York City midfielder Craig Hewitt.

The 23-year-old joined the reigning National League champions from Chorley in November 2025, scoring on his debut against Eastleigh and featured several times off the bench as Stuart Maynard’s side sealed their promotion back to the EFL.

However, the rise in divisions has seen Hewitt’s minutes drop, playing just three times so far this season, with his last appearance arriving back in September – though admittedly he has recently returned from an injury.

Therefore, with Hewitt now fit enough to train once again, there is a valid argument that a temporary exit to a somewhat local National League side would do him the world of good, especially as he looks to regain his form that earned him the move to begin with.

Preece will know Hewitt inside out, which could be the perfect opportunity to pick up regular minutes, gain a sense of familiarity and enjoy his football once again after several weeks out.

Isaac Lee (Shrewsbury Town, loan):

As mentioned, Scunthorpe have struggled defensively so far this season and are likely to be in need of a nonsense, tall centre-back to increase their aerial stability and impose themselves on their opponents to try and reduce the number of goals in which they are conceding.

Lee arrived at Shrewsbury from Welsh Premiership side Flint Town United, but has found minutes hard to come by so far, featuring just eight times since January across all competitions.

Admittedly, the 22-year-old has continued to be in and around the first-team squad but hasn’t recorded any league minutes since September’s one-all draw away to Crewe Alexandra.

His lack of minutes and unfamiliarity with English football thus far could suggest that he is open to a temporary exit from the League Two side – in order to gain a better understanding and play week in and out for a side looking to build momentum and climb out of the relegation zone.

Similarly, Lee’s height could be extremely useful for the Iron. As mentioned, Scunthorpe love long-balls and getting crosses into the box and with Lee standing at 6ft5, he will get chances and is therefore likely to get a few goals under his belt.

Harry Ibbitson (Bradford City, loan):

As already mentioned, managers sometimes prefer working with players they are already familiar with, and one player that could be an option is former Chorley loanee Harry Ibbitson from League One side Bradford City.

The 20-year-old featured 36 times across all competitions for Chorley last season, scoring five goals as well as contributing to assists as well as starting moves for other players too.

Preece’s typical system will include exciting wingers who like to get the ball down, take players on and get crosses into the penalty area – something that Ibbitson is more than capable of doing.

Similarly, the young winger featured for the Bantams against York City earlier this week in the EFL Trophy, but is yet to feature in the division, suggesting he is likely to benefit from another loan move but this time to the National League.

Though it’s another loanee, it is worth noting that the January transfer window isn’t too far away and clubs are likely to be less convinced to sell players before then. However, Ibbitson is familiar with the manager, needs minutes and proved himself in the sixth tier whilst also being located in closer proximity to the Iron.

Scunthorpe fans, what do you make of these suggestions?