Scunthorpe United fan buys 1,000 tickets to boost crowd

The 1,000 free tickets are for the home game against Gloucester City on 11 November

A Scunthorpe United supporter has bought 1,000 tickets to give to armed forces and emergency services workers.

Danny Stamp, who runs the food stalls at the Glanford Park stadium, said he hoped it would give a boost to the financially troubled club.

The National League North side was taken over by local business owner Michelle Harness last month after the previous owner withdrew funding.

The free tickets are for the home game against Gloucester City on 11 November.

Mr Stamp said the idea to give away tickets came after a chat with the new owner about boosting attendances.

He said: "What can we do to get new people through and get them to catch the Scunthorpe United bug?

"I'll hopefully get my money back in food and drink and whatnot.

"Then on the other hand it gives the club a financial boost for an extra 1,000 tickets and then hopefully we can get a few more supporters consistently coming through the gates that way."

Danny Stamp (right) runs the catering at Glanford Park

Previous owner David Hilton took over the North Lincolnshire club in January. He left last month after issues with funding and a dispute over the use of the club's ground.

Mr Stamp said it had cost him a "considerable amount" to buy the tickets, which typically cost between £16 and £33.

He added that although the tickets were free, he hoped people would make a donation to help the club out.

"There are a lot of people who want the club to survive and we are just trying to make it as sustainable as possible at the minute," he said.

"It's massive for the community that we keep the club going.

"If you take away the steelworks and the football club from Scunthorpe you've not really got a lot left."