Thu Jun 25, 2015 1:42 pm
Released Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard and former Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday man Jon Stead on our list of five striking free agents who could do a job for Scunthorpe United
Today at 2:26 PM
By ChrisSumpter
Scunthorpe United's pursuit of 22-goal Swindon Town front man Andy Williams may have ended in disappointment last week, but it illustrates the sort of striker the Iron are in the market for this summer. With that in mind, the Telegraph's CHRIS SUMPTER scours the list of free agents to five further strikers who could do a job for the Iron.
NICKY MAYNARD
Age: 28
Previous clubs: Crewe Alexandra, Bristol City, West Ham United, Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic (loan)
What's the lowdown?: Prolific, and thus shooting to prominence, at Crewe Alexandra and then Bristol City, the career of livewire front man Nicky Maynard seems to have stagnated in recent seasons.
He struggled to justify the seven-figure transfer fees forked out by West Ham and Cardiff City for his services, the latter of whom showed him the door last month.
A back injury ruled him out of action for much of last season, but given past glories and his speed and finishing prowess inside the penalty area, he is unlikely to have any trouble finding new employers
Another Championship chance is a realistic possibility with Brentford rumoured to be potential suitors. He'd be a pretty impressive catch for a League One club.
JONATHAN STEAD
Age: 32
Previous clubs: Huddersfield Town, Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, Derby County (loan), Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Bristol City, Oldham Athletic (loan), Bradford City (loan)
What's the lowdown?: A prolonged career at Huddersfield was always unlikely for Stead given the fact the well-travelled front man has spent much of the past two seasons on loan at Bradford City.
The Bantams appear to be in for the former £1.8million man again this summer, this time trying to snap him up on a permanent basis, but without being privy to what goes on behind the scenes for the moment it seems by no means a done deal.
Stead's strike rate may not be as impressive as during his younger days – he notched 13 times last term – but he brings top-flight nous as well as an ability to hold the ball up to a front line and helped City to some decent FA Cup scalps last term.
CRAIG DAVIES
Age: 29
Previous clubs: Oxford United, Verona, Oldham Athletic, Stockport County (loan), Brighton & Hove Albion, Yeovil Town (loan), Port Vale (loan), Chesterfield, Barnsley, Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End (loan)
What's the lowdown?: Scored seven times in the Championship for Bolton Wanderers last season, but was not offered new terms by the Trotters at the end of the campaign.
A tall, rangy forward with the cliched 'good feet for a big man', the 29-year-old has been prolific in the third tier previously but has been carrying a niggly hamstring problem, which his old boss Neil Lennon admitted was a concern in April.
Although a Welsh international, that injury may make some clubs see Davies as a bit of risk. But if those fitness concerns can be allayed, there are few doubts the 6ft 2in front man would make a useful addition to one squad – probably even at the level above Scunthorpe.
GARY MADINE
Age: 24
Previous clubs: Carlisle United, Rochdale (loan), Coventry City (loan), Chesterfield (loan), Sheffield Wednesday, Carlisle United (loan), Coventry City (loan), Blackpool
What's the lowdown?: Has had some well-publicised personal issues but on the field, Madine has been a clinical figure in League One – never more so than when scoring 18 times in 36 games as Sheffield Wednesday were promoted from this level.
Bolton and Birmingham City have both been linked with the Gateshead-born striker, who started the last campaign at Blackpool, but also had a stint on loan at Coventry City mid-season which yielded three goals in 11 games.
Another physical presence, who has played both on his own up front or as part of a strike partnership, at only 24, Madine still has plenty to offer.
MARTIN PATERSON
Age: 28
Previous clubs: Stoke City, Grimsby Town (loan), Scunthorpe United, Burnley, Huddersfield Town, Bristol City (loan), Fleetwood Town (loan), Orlando City Pirates (loan)
What's the lowdown?: A familiar face to Scunthorpe fans, Martin Paterson is also well-known to the Iron's boss Mark Robins.
He signed Paterson when in charge of Huddersfield Town, the club with whom the striker has not been offered a new deal this summer.
Injury problems have stifled what looked to be a blossoming career, highlighted by the fact that knee and groin problems mean has made just three substitute appearances for MLS newcomers Orlando City Pirates since joining them on loan in January.
But the Stoke-born goalscorer has undoubted ability when fit and has played much of his football in England higher than the third tier.
More Scunthorpe United news, reports analysis and opinion, plus the latest League One table.
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56.69v
Thu Jun 25, 2015 1:44 pm
Of course he would tear league 1 apart.
Thu Jun 25, 2015 7:43 pm
Yeah he will do well in that league, hes gota few gd seasons ahead if Scunthorpe do well