Rovers make their Carabao Cup bow on Tuesday night when they make the short trip down the M180 to face Scunthorpe United in the first round.
Rovers made it to the third round of this competition last season, picking up wins away at Bradford City and at home to Hull City, going on to meet Premier League giants Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the third round.
Theo Walcott’s solitary goal was the difference between the two sides, with Rovers putting in a spirited performance against the Gunners, with the side being backed by close to 5,000 fans in the capital.
Brief history of Scunthorpe United
Scunthorpe play at the 9,088-capacity Glanford Park stadium, which has been their home since 1988, and when opened, was the first purpose-built football ground in England for over 30 years.
Scunthorpe’s nickname is the Iron, which comes from the iron and steel industries that led to the growth of the town in the 19th century.
Last season the Iron exited the competition in the second round stage, beating Notts County at home in the first round, drawing 3-3 after 120 minutes, before going through on penalties, winning the shoot-out 6-5 in an entertaining game at Glanford Park.
They would travel to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium in the next round, where they would be defeated 3-0 by their Championship opponents.
The Iron’s best performance in this competition saw them reach the fourth round during the 2009-10 season, defeating Chesterfield, Swansea City and Port Vale, before being defeated away at Premier League side Manchester City.
Who’s the gaffer?
The man in charge at Glanford Park is Nick Daws, who took over the managerial role permanently in the summer, following his second spell in caretaker charge of the Iron.
Daws’ first time in caretaker charge came in 2016 following the departure of Mark Robins, going on to win five and draw five of his 11 games in charge. Another successful caretaker stint towards the end of last season saw him win four and draw four of his nine games at the helm, and he was rewarded for his impressive record with the job on a permanent basis at the end of May, following their run to the play-off semi-final.
Daws’ currently holds a 45.45 per cent win percentage, winning 10, drawing 10 and losing just twice across both spells in charge of the Iron.
Ones to watch
Josh Morris
The Iron midfielder has been one of Sky Bet League One’s biggest performers over the last two seasons, and he will be looking for yet another good campaign to propel his side towards promotion this time around.
Morris joined the Iron in 2016 following his departure from Bradford City, going on to score 19 times as he helped lead them to the play-offs in his first year at Glanford Park. Last season saw Morris spend a short period out injured, but he still managed to reach double figures in the goal-scoring charts, grabbing 10 in 29 appearances in the league, again helping the Iron to reach the play-offs.
Stephen Humphrys
The young forward is on loan from Premier League side Fulham for the season. Humphrys previously spent time on loan at fellow League One sides Shrewsbury Town and Rochdale, scoring twice for the Dale last season in 14 appearances. Humphrys made his Iron debut on the opening day away at Coventry City, scoring the equaliser in the 2-1 win at the Ricoh Arena.
Ryan Colclough
The winger joined from last season’s League One champions Wigan Athletic on deadline day, signing a three-year deal at Glanford Park. Colclough scored four goals in the league last year, including two against Rovers in the Latics’ 3-0 win at the DW Stadium.
Colclough’s two goals made national headlines after he was subbed off straight after securing his brace, with his partner going into labour during the game, later being pictured with his new born still in his Wigan kit. He made his Iron debut off the bench in their 1-1 draw with Walsall, and he will be looking to make his first start in the cup clash.
Last time out
Rovers stole a point in dramatic fashion when the two sides met at Glanford Park back in January. Tom Hopper’s third-minute goal saw Scunthorpe take the lead, but Alfie Beestin’s 96th-minute header saw Rovers earn a draw in the local derby.
Rovers last win at Glanford Park came in October 2014, with goals from James Coppinger and Nathan Tyson seeing them turn the game on its head, following Rory Fallon’s opener in the early season clash.