Stephen Dawson signs on with the Iron

United made their first summer signing on Wednesday, when it was announced that Stephen Dawson had joined the club on a two-year deal, after turning down a new contract at Rochdale.

The Irish-born midfielder spent last season at Rochdale, and impressed in both games where he faced us – especially during the 3-1 win for Dale in March, a game in which he ran the midfield for the home side.

Dawson was wrongfully arrested in April 2014 for allegedly being involved in a ‘major spot-fixing scam, whereby players supposedly took bribes in return for deliberately getting booked.’. 

Since then, the case against Dawson has been dropped, and the midfielder’s form with Rochdale began to rise. No doubt that this rise in form, including his wonderful individual displays against the Iron, led to the deal being offered by Mark Robins.

Dawson signs for two years, with the option of a further year lying in the clubs hands. He was offered a new deal at Rochdale, but decided a move to North Lincolnshire was the more attractive option.

Happy with the move, Dawson had this to say when interviewed by the club: 

“Obviously, I’m over the moon, and as soon as I knew the intent of the manager and who he is bringing in and everything that is taking place in the next couple of years in terms of the new stadium and new facilities, it was something I couldn’t turn down.”

The only other player news this pre-season so far was goalkeeper Joe Anyon signing a new two-year deal with the club.

Anyon is yet to make a first team appearance, but clearly has impressed Mark Robins in the reserves, and it’s a deal that pleased the majority of Iron fans.

If you are planning on placing a bet on the Iron to win the League One title next year, it would be worth taking a look at mybettingsites.co.uk to find the best possible odds.

Once there any more contract extensions, or new player signings – I will report them on the blogs Facebook account.

Until then, Up the Iron!