I must begin my report by offering my congratulations to the Manager, Brian Laws, for one of the best seasons in the clubs history, finishing as runners up in League 2 and automatic promotion to League 1 this following an almost catastrophic season in 2003 -2004. Much praise must also go to Russ Wilcox, Brian's Assistant , Coach Peter Beagrie and last but not least our Physio, Nigel Adkins. Nigel worked extremely hard with players helping them to recover quickly from injury as well as coaching the goalkeepers. With a small squad, keeping players available for first team duty was a vital ingredient for success.

Promotion was obviously the highlight of the year but once again we enjoyed a successful run in the FA Cup culminating in a memorable away trip to Chelsea. A 3 - 1 defeat rather flattered Chelsea and I feel sure all our fans had a fantastic experience at Stamford Bridge and like me, were very proud of our players.

The players do deserve a special mention especially our Captain, Andy Crosby. Each and every one of them was magnificent throughout the season. Always giving 100% and the team only once dropping out of the top 3 for one week. This in itself must be a record for Scunthorpe United.

Our style of football requires a good playing surface and as always Graham Colby and his Ground Staff have excelled themselves. The pitch was in perfect condition for the start of the season and still near perfect even for our last home last game.

The supporters too played their part with an average attendance of 5,178 at home league matches.This was many more than I imagined was possible.

In the past I have been critical of our Administration but under the leadership of Jamie Hammond there is now renewed vigour and optimism for the future. David Beeby has taken on more responsibility as Assistant Club Secretary, Michelle Harness is rapidly expanding the Commercial Department, Louise Whittaker is getting to grips with the accounts and Alan Webster is overseeing the Stadium improvements beginning with the Grove Wharf Stand and hopefully the Study United Stand will follow in the very near future. The latter will include lift access to our restaurant facilities and I am very aware that this is long overdue.

With such a successful season in the League and a very lucrative Cup run I am pleased to be able to report a satisfactory financial result for the year. Like the previous year we have made a small loss after Depreciation but what is most important is that we have been cash positive. We have only accounted for half the anticipated receipts for the compensation relating to Paul Hayes and we have a small charge for the cost of Andy Keogh's contract. The latter, I believe, is an exceptional player and will prove to have been a very wise investment by Brian Laws, which he made in anticipation of Paul Hayes possible departure . We were sorry to lose Paul and also Richard Kell to Barnsley but the compensation for Paul was very welcome and well invested in Andy Keogh and more recently Billy Sharp.

All areas of revenue have increased during the year with the exception of the Restaurant. Match days in the restaurant have been very busy but unfortunately week days have at times been very quiet. This is no reflection on our restaurant and kitchen staff, who have, as always, been excellent. It is down to poor marketing and is the focus of our attention at the present time. A large part of our increased revenue is due to more sponsorship and advertising. We do appreciate and value everyone who has contributed and supported us financially throughout the season.

Post year end I am delighted to say we continue to progress and remain in the top 6 of the League. We await a 1^st Round replay against Bury at home in the FA Cup and are through to the second round of the LDV Cup, away at Halifax.

We continue to press the Local Authority to agree a site for new training facilities which can be used by the football club, School of Excellence, Scunthorpe Ladies and Football in the Community. It is disappointing that they seem unable to support us in our quest to provide the community with such facilities which are sadly lacking at the present time.On a more positive note a new indoor playing surface with the latest FIFA approved artificial grass is now available to the football club and will be of great benefit throughout the winter months.

Finally I would like to pay tribute to Paul Wilson our Youth Team Coach who left us after 8 years to join Doncaster Rovers. Over the years Paul produced a number of excellent players who went on to sign professional terms with Scunthorpe United. Paul did a first class job for this club as did his assistant Paul Longden who has also left to take up a different profession. I wish them both well and much success in their new employment. The two Pauls have been replaced by Tony Daws and Guy Parkin. I am extremely encouraged by the start they have made and have no doubt that they will take our Youth and School of Excellence to an even higher level of achievement.

To all our staff I thank each and every one of them for helping us to put the pride back in Scunthorpe United. Everyone has a vital role to play and if we all support each other we can achieve great things.

Last but not least I must thank Rex and Simon, my fellow directors and Jason and Mark our two Associate Directors, recently joined by Richard Mason, for the enormous amount of time and effort they have put into the club and especially for the support they have given me in what I have to say has been such a memorable year.

Steve Wharton

Chairman

9 November 2005