Scunthorpe United have been handed a monumental boost ahead of their return to the National League, with star man Callum Roberts putting pen to paper on a new one-year contract at Glanford Park.
After a season where his goals and assists were crucial to the club’s promotion, fans had been anxiously awaiting news on the 27-year-old’s future amidst inevitable speculation. Roberts has now ended that uncertainty, committing himself to the Iron for the 2025/26 campaign and revealing that staying was always his priority.
“It was done quite quick”
Speaking for the first time since the deal was announced, Roberts confirmed that his mind was made up long before his summer holiday began, stating his desire was to get the deal over the line as soon as possible.
“I told the gaffer and I told the club and my agent that I’d like to stay and get something sorted,” Roberts explained to the club’s official website.
“Obviously, when the deal got put in front of us, it was the case of just altering a few little bits, but when it was done, it was done. It was good to get it over the line. It was quite quick, like I said, and I was happy to get it done.”
“The grass isn’t always greener”
In a refreshing display of loyalty, Roberts spoke candidly about the importance of feeling a connection to a club, referencing past experiences as a key factor in his decision. For him, the bond he shares with the Scunthorpe United faithful and staff was too valuable to give up.
“It’s hard to be at clubs and build a connection with people at the club and fans,” he admitted. “I had that at Notts County and when I left there, it didn’t really go to plan. And I’ve got that again now. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
“It’s massive to play at a football club like this anyway, but to have a connection with the fans and the people around the place is a massive bonus.”
“The worst 120 minutes of my life”
Reflecting on a stellar personal season that saw him play 49 games, Roberts was clearly proud of his contribution but admitted the final game against Chester was torturous to watch from the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
“It was probably the worst 120 minutes of my life,” he said with a wry smile. “I never get nervous playing football, but watching that game I was so nervous and stressed.”
Thankfully, the hamstring injury that ruled him out of the final has healed well, and he is ready for the gruelling pre-season ahead. “I’m probably two weeks away now, so I’ll be ready to go,” he confirmed.
A New Challenge in the National League
With the club now back in the fifth tier, Roberts is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. He acknowledged the step up in quality but believes the squad has the right mentality to compete, pointing to last season’s incredible home record as a foundation to build on.
“It’s going to be tough, but any team that comes to our place, we’ll fancy ourselves. Losing one league game here last season, it’s got to be something that we focus on again and obviously make it tough for teams.”
When asked about the persistent rumours linking him with a move to local rivals Grimsby Town, Roberts was quick to dismiss them. “The first I’d heard about it was last week when the BBC mentioned it, but it was something that was probably never going to happen.”
With his future secured and his focus firmly on the season ahead, the return of a fully fit and committed Callum Roberts is the best piece of summer business Scunthorpe United could have wished for.
