A STEEP LEARNING CURVE - HURST
Posted on: Mon 12 May 2008
Winger Kevan Hurst says this season's Championship experience will bode well for the club in League One next year.
The Iron spent just one campaign in the second tier, and were relegated along with Colchester and Leicester.
However, now Scunthorpe have tasted it they want more of it, and there are ambitions of a swift return to the Football League's flagship division.
It was a mixed season for Hurst, who started well, struggled for form in the middle and then regained his confidence towards the end before succumbing to a hamstring injury.
"It was a great start to the season for everyone but, with the size of the squad, it's hard to get the results consistently. You pick up a few injuries and it's difficult, but we've done alright," he explained.
"Relegation is very disappointing, but considering the size of the squad I think we've all gained valuable experience.
"We went up as champions and the fans expected us to stay in the league, so we did feel pressure from that point of view.
"It's a stepping stone for us - we've gained experience, we've gained Championship experience, it's good for the young players.
"We're a young side, we have an average age of 22, so it's a good sign for the club for the future.
"I've gained a lot, playing against better players week-in week-out can only make you stronger.
"I'm still only young and you learn for next season. It's been a steep learning curve for us all.
"We have no fear and we proved that we can play against these teams. It's a lot faster paced, it's a lot more rugged and physical than in League One.
"In the Championship, once you get in that final third it's difficult to break teams down. As you get higher up the Leagues it gets tighter, but that's how you learn as a player.
"There's always pressure to go straight back up and I think we've got a good enough side to do that. We've got to work on a few things, but next season we should do well."
The Iron spent just one campaign in the second tier, and were relegated along with Colchester and Leicester.
However, now Scunthorpe have tasted it they want more of it, and there are ambitions of a swift return to the Football League's flagship division.
It was a mixed season for Hurst, who started well, struggled for form in the middle and then regained his confidence towards the end before succumbing to a hamstring injury.
"It was a great start to the season for everyone but, with the size of the squad, it's hard to get the results consistently. You pick up a few injuries and it's difficult, but we've done alright," he explained.
"Relegation is very disappointing, but considering the size of the squad I think we've all gained valuable experience.
"We went up as champions and the fans expected us to stay in the league, so we did feel pressure from that point of view.
Advertisement
"We're a young side, we have an average age of 22, so it's a good sign for the club for the future.
"I've gained a lot, playing against better players week-in week-out can only make you stronger.
"I'm still only young and you learn for next season. It's been a steep learning curve for us all.
"We have no fear and we proved that we can play against these teams. It's a lot faster paced, it's a lot more rugged and physical than in League One.
"In the Championship, once you get in that final third it's difficult to break teams down. As you get higher up the Leagues it gets tighter, but that's how you learn as a player.
"There's always pressure to go straight back up and I think we've got a good enough side to do that. We've got to work on a few things, but next season we should do well."
