The future of Scunthorpe United could be looking brighter for the 2024-2025 season if they manage to agree terms on a new contract with versatile player Liam McAlinden.
The 30-year-old attacker, who has also featured at left-back for the League Two side in the absence of fan favourite Tyler Denton, is being linked with a new deal at Glanford Park.
According to Kingcasinobonus‘ gambling specialists, both online casino owners and oddsmakers agree that if McAlinden puts pen to paper on a new Iron contract, it could increase Scunthorpe’s overall winning chances by an average of up to 13% next season.
Impressive season
McAlinden joined Scunthorpe in February 2024 on a free transfer after being released by Hollywood-owned Wrexham, where he played a part in their 2022/23 promotion winning campaign.
The former Wolverhapton Wanderers and Exeter City man, penned a deal until the end of the season at the Attis Arena and impressed during his 11 appearances, where he chipped in with 2 goals including a neat drilled finish against Hereford in a 4-1 rout
His flexibility and experience are seen as key assets that new Iron boss Andrew Butler may be keen to retain at the level when he is mulling over his released list in the close season. While not a prolific goalscorer, McAlinden’s work rate, intelligent movement and ability to play numerous positions make him a valuable member of the squad.
The Iron will undoubtedly face competition for McAlinden’s signature however. As a free agent, he is able to negotiate with other clubs and could be attracted by offers of higher wages or the chance to play at a higher level before his career winds down.
With a handful of appearances in League Two this season for title winners Wrexham, two divisions higher, several League Two and National League Clubs clubs have been credited with an interest. There has also been speculation of potential moves to Ireland and north of the border to Scotland.
Scunthorpe’s board and supporters will hope that being settled and established as a key man at Glanford Park gives them an advantage if they decide to persue contract talks.
They will be acutely aware that losing an influential figure like McAlinden could deal a significant blow to their chances next season, with the bookies pricing in a 13% drop in their prospects without him.
Decisive penalty
McAlinden’s importance to Scunthorpe was underlined during their 2023-24 playoff push. The Iron finished second in the National League, securing a place in the promotion semi-finals against sixth-placed Boston United.
With the tie delicately poised at 0-0 after the second leg, the clash went to a dramatic penalty shootout. McAlinden was called from the bench to take Scunthorpe’s sixth spot-kick, but saw his effort crucially saved by Boston keeper Cameron Gregory.
However fans will be willing to forgive if the former Wolves and Morecambe man puts pen to paper on a new deal and becomes a key figure of the side that attempts to secure promotion from the National League North at the second time of asking.
With the ever-increasing role of data analytics in modern football, those numbers from the Kingcasinobonus experts could yet prove pivotal in convincing McAlinden that remaining an Iron man gives him and the club their best shot at success in 2024-25.