Scunthorpe United part company with manager Jimmy Dean and his staff after suffering an early National League North playoff exit.
The Iron finished the 2023/24 season sitting second with 88 points from 46 games played and 8 points behind leaders Tamworth.
Scunthorpe then lost 5-4 on penalties to Boston United after a goalless draw in front of over 8,000 fans at Glanford Park.
⚽ CLUB STATEMENT
Scunthorpe United can confirm that, following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Jimmy Dean, Chris Plummer and Ant Coombe will be leaving the club.
The club would like to place on record their thanks for the hard work, commitment and dignity shown by Jimmy,… pic.twitter.com/gMvgKO0awQ
— Scunthorpe United FC (@SUFCOfficial) May 2, 2024
Scunthorpe United can confirm that, following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Jimmy Dean, Chris Plummer and Ant Coombe will be leaving the club.
Planning for 2024-25 commenced immediately off the pitch following last weekend’s play-off semi-final defeat, with budgeting put in place and confirmed for a second year in Vanarama National League North. As the club look towards sustainability, and bringing expenditure in line with the level, and what the football club can afford, it became apparent that a reset was required moving forward into the new season.
Joining the club at the end of January 2023, first team manager Dean, and assistant manager Plummer arrived into a new regime, shortly following by Coombe as strength and conditioning coach, with the trio unable to steer the side away from relegation to Step 2 football.
Despite a positive season in 2023-24, United were unable to make an immediate return to the National League Premier Division, finishing second in the league and eventually falling short on penalties in the play-off semi-final last weekend.
The year had returned the club to winning matches regularly, and reinstalled a unity between the community, the supporters and Scunthorpe United following, and through, much adversity. All the while, in the background, the club has been battling significant inherited debts, with the new ownership working each month to fulfil the massive playing staff wage bill that had been inherited by the new Board, and installed at the start of the campaign.
The club would like to place on record their thanks for the hard work, commitment and dignity shown by Jimmy, Chris and Ant during some of the darkest days Scunthorpe United have been through in its 125-year history. All three leave with our very best wishes for the future.
Owner and chairperson Michelle Harness said: “To be saying goodbye to Jimmy, Chris and Ant is undoubtedly one of our toughest decisions since we took ownership of the club, and it is a decision we’ve made with a very heavy heart.
“We inherited significant debt, along with a budget and payroll which by far exceeds the level that we are currently operating at, and we need to work hard this summer to bring that back to a level where we can both compete at, but also remain sustainable, and this must start at football management level, and then focusing on the playing staff.
“We remain wholly committed to recruiting and retaining players for the 2024-25 season who fall within our budget, and will give us the best possible chance to see us competing at the top of the league again.
“Jimmy, Chris and Ant have conducted themselves brilliantly throughout our time at the club, and will always be welcome at the Attis Arena should they wish to visit us. I would like to personally thank each of them for their hard work and endeavours while they represented our Board, the badge, and most importantly, you as the fans of Scunthorpe United.”
“It’s very tough to take,” said Dean after defeat to Boston. “I’ve been out with the fans and I feel their pain.
“The progress the club has made off the pitch has been fantastic. It’s been an honour to be part of that. I’m just truly gutted we couldn’t give the season a happy ending. The fans were paying our wages at one point, so I’m just devastated we couldn’t get over the line in the play-offs.”
Twitter users reacted as Scunthorpe part company with manager Jimmy Dean and his staff after an early playoff exit…
@Ironarmyhd: Time will tell on this. Whoever comes in now, has one hell of an expectation on them. For me they’ll be expected by the fans, to get this team promoted. So no pressure and I hope it’s not the ex player that was banded about towards the back end of the season. #UTI
@jaifoxton8: Thanks for the everything JD and sticking with us through the bad times when most people would’ve left, wish you all the best but it’s time for a change
@happyangler123: I’m a little shocked but could see it coming , I bet he feels hard done by and prob right in my mind , by the sounds of that he was a big earner , and that seems the main reason , now who’s next ??
@PhilipMichael91: Huge announcement. One that I’m sure will leave most scunny fans with mixed emotions. Unbelievable people who stuck by us through the hard times but not confident they were going to take us to the next level.
@crogger123: Regrettably I think the club have got this right, must have been tough.
@tylerwills_: Thanks for Everything Jimmy. Top manager who cared for the club but we need the right man to get us up next season. Jimmy Deans Barmy Army ????????
@sufcadem: Who will be manager until we find a new manager? #UTI #IRON
@ShaunRootham1: @PSLFC bring him home
@willmoore268: One of the most committed and passionate managers we have had for some time. Thank you Jimmys
@mgell1s: All the best Jimmy. RIP Jimmyball. #UTI
@Xxtentactionxx6: Good luck jd all the best
@Scorpisonic: Andy Butlers Claret n Blue army?
@wfcjep: Bern & Jonno
@DecBlakeyy: gonna set of a pyro in the kitchen
@fans64: Good riddance, should have gone with Hilton
@Ironarmyhd: Time will tell on this. Whoever comes in now, has one hell of an expectation on them. For me they’ll be expected by the fans, to get this team promoted. So no pressure and I hope it’s not the ex player that was banded about towards the back end of the season. #UTI
@tinkzox: Genuinely wish the absolute best for Jimmy and co, I’m gutted by this news in all honesty. Where ever he goes too next are lucky bastards ????????
@CalSUFC15: Gutted it didn’t work out for Jimmy, easy to forget just how hard it must have been for him during that period. Could never fault his passion for the club. Wish him all the best #UTI
@sifoulerfowler: Right decision, he was hired by Hilton, time to clear the decks completely of that era. Don’t get the “he stuck by us” angle. Likely his highest pay with his biggest playing budget ever. His dream job. He’ll be fine.
@MarkkBru: A difficult decision no doubt but ultimately the target for the season was failed. Dean comes across as a good guy that cares but that only gets you so far. There was numerous times this season the tactics and selections let us down. It’s a shame but that is modern football.
@RickHornsby3: The right decision…
@Greeny5o1: Top bloke who’s been a credit to the club whilst in post however, from a footballing perspective, 100% the correct decision. Good luck in the future JD!
@JamesJoiner: Regardless of what you think of the tactics, Jimmy (and Chris) guided us through the toughest period in our history – holding the squad together when no-one was being paid, including themselves. Wish them all the best, sure we’ll see them again at GP soon.
@MrCallum011: Sad for him on a personal level. On a professional level, he wasn’t good enough, too often found out tactically. Best of luck to him whatever he does next though.
