Scunthorpe United Football Club, commonly known as ‘The Iron,’ is a professional football club based in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, England. Founded in 1899, the club has a long and eventful history, experiencing both highs and lows across the English football pyramid.

For much of its existence, Scunthorpe United played their home matches at The Old Show Ground, a stadium affectionately referred to by supporters simply as ‘The Showground.’ This historic ground was the club’s home until 1988, when they moved to Glanford Park, a more modern facility designed to meet changing stadium requirements.

The club first joined the Football League in 1950, and in the late 1950s and early 1960s, they reached the second tier of English football, their highest-ever league position. During this period, Scunthorpe nurtured talented players such as Kevin Keegan, who would later become an England international and one of the country’s most famous footballers.

Scunthorpe United has spent most of its modern history fluctuating between the third and fourth tiers of English football, occasionally enjoying successful promotions.

Despite financial struggles in recent years, the club remains an integral part of the Scunthorpe community, with a loyal fanbase supporting the team through thick and thin.

The Old Showground is photo series by photographer Nic Salmon that documents life at the former home of Scunthorpe United, between 1981 and 1982.

Packed with memories from a bygone era, the limited edition A5 zine contains 45 black and white photographs spread over 48 pages, and includes an introduction written by Steve Askew, formerly of Scunthorpe United fanzines Get A Grip Ref (co-Editor 1990 – 1992) and Son Of A Ref (Editor 1995 – 1999).

During the early 1980s, The ‘Iron’ were nestled in the bottom third of the league’s lowest tier – Division Four. The Old Show Ground had boasted the first cantilever stand built at a British football ground in 1958, but by now was in desperate need of repair and updating. It wouldn’t be too long before this old stadium would be confined to history. 

Salmon remembers vividly how the project came about, approaching manager Ron Ashman with his proposal and then, much too his surprise, being given full access to photograph life around the club. Salmon was able to spend time with club staff, meet fans (and rival supporters!), players and match officials. He travelled with the team to away matches, photographed England Cricketer Ian Botham making one of his 11 appearances for the Iron, and witnessed the return of club legend Kevin Keegan for a testimonial match. 

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