Scunthorpe turn to Jacob Butterfield and Ross Barrows after Andy Butler sacking

Former Derby County midfielder Jacob Butterfield and defender Ross Barrows have been placed in joint interim charge of Scunthorpe United following the departures of Andy Butler and assistant John Schofield.

The appointment gives two members of the playing squad responsibility for leading the Iron through a difficult spell in the National League. Scunthorpe confirmed the arrangement on Thursday 29 October, with the pair taking charge for the trip to Boston United two days later.

Five league defeats leave Scunthorpe seven points from safety

The pair’s first game in charge ended in a 2-1 defeat away to Boston at the Jakemans Community Stadium on Saturday 31 October. That made it five consecutive league defeats for the Iron, following losses to Barrow, AFC Fylde, Woking and Tamworth. Across those five games, Scunthorpe scored four goals and conceded 14.

As of 2 November, Scunthorpe sit 23rd in the National League with 10 points from 15 games: three wins, one draw and 11 defeats. They are seven points behind 20th-placed Tamworth, underlining the immediate task facing the interim pair.

Two cup ties before the next league test

Next up is a home National League Cup tie against Wolves Under-21s on Tuesday 3 November at 7pm, followed by a trip to Port Vale in the FA Cup first round on Saturday 7 November at 3pm.

League action resumes at home to sixth-placed Worthing on Saturday 14 November at 3pm. Scunthorpe then visit Aldershot on Saturday 21 November at 3pm before hosting bottom club Gateshead on Tuesday 24 November at 7.45pm. The cup games offer a chance to change the mood, but the pursuit of league points resumes against Worthing.

Scunthorpe’s official appointment announcement

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What Butterfield and Barrows bring to the role

Butterfield returned to Scunthorpe in the summer as a player-coach. His first spell, between 2022 and 2024, brought 47 appearances and 13 goals in all competitions; the club said his return had already added another 14 appearances and one goal by the time of the interim appointment.

His connection with the club is therefore more recent than the Derby spell which makes the appointment particularly interesting to Rams supporters. Butterfield played more than 80 times for Derby during four years before leaving in 2019, and now takes on management responsibilities alongside Barrows.

Barrows has his own long association with Scunthorpe. He spent six years in the academy between the ages of nine and 15 before returning ahead of the 2023-24 season. The club also highlighted his coaching qualification and work developing younger players through his own business.

Schofield leaves after another spell at the club

The same announcement confirmed Schofield had been relieved of his duties. He first joined Scunthorpe’s coaching staff in 2008, returned during the 2014-15 season and came back again in summer 2024.

His latest spell alongside Butler included promotion from National League North in 2024-25 and a National League play-off campaign the following season. Scunthorpe thanked him for his contribution as the club changed its coaching team.

Fans welcome the interim team and look to the next decision

Supporters replying to the official announcement offered encouragement, while also discussing the longer-term appointment. Callum (@CalSUFC15) called it the right decision and hoped the pair could deliver a win to help the next manager.

Nick Bell (@NickB_UTI) similarly wanted the interim team to collect points before a permanent appointment, wishing both men well.

Adam (@xadam061) accepted the temporary arrangement but added: “just hope the club gets it right with the next manager appointment. EFL experience ideally”.