Scunthorpe United has completed the signing of commanding defender Jean Belehouan, who arrives with a clear ambition to lead from the back and help the club push for success in the National League.
The former Manchester United youngster, who spent last season at Gateshead, is delighted to have joined the Iron and is ready to make an immediate impact.
“Yeah, I’m delighted,” Belehouan stated in his first interview with the club. “It’s been a quite easy process, and I’m just happy to be here and happy to get going.”
Belehouan brings valuable experience from the same division, having been part of a Gateshead side that narrowly missed out on the play-offs last term. He believes that experience will be vital for the season ahead.
“It was a good experience, good for me and good for my development. I gained a lot of experience playing in the league, so I’m going to bring that value to this club as well and push on and do good things this season.”
When asked about the challenge of the National League, Belehouan was bullish about the Iron’s prospects. “Listen, it’s competitive, but we have to remain ambitious. This league is all to play for and we’ve got nothing to fear going into it. I think we can give it a right go.”
For the fans, the defender described himself as a passionate and committed player who will leave everything on the pitch.
“I’m very quick, a good one-v-one defender, you know, very vocal, a leader, and very passionate. I’ll leave it all on the pitch, for sure.”
The defender, who came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and latterly Sheffield United, also opened up about his development into a leader, a trait he believes is essential for his position.
“When I was growing up, especially younger, I was very much a shy boy. But as you get older and around more first-team environments, it builds your character. It’s one of the main things you need to have in your locker being a defender – being vocal, being a leader, encouragement”.
The move to Glanford Park also sees him reunite with former teammate Joe Starbuck, a familiar face that has helped him settle in quickly.
“He’s a top guy, a friend not just on the pitch, off the pitch as well. I love the guy to bits. That also helps, coming into a new place with someone I know.”
After a tough first few days of pre-season testing, Belehouan and the squad are now looking forward to their first pre-season friendly against Bottesford Town on Friday night.
“I can’t wait to get going, put on the new colours and just get out there. I’ve been itching to play. I can’t wait.”
Thank you to our partners for the 2025/26 season
