Ross Barrows pens new Iron deal

Scunthorpe United is delighted to confirm defender Ross Barrows has agreed a new short term deal with the club, which allows him to continue his rehabilitation and put himself in contention to be playing by the end of the calendar year.

Having returned to his boyhood club in the summer of 2023 following his departure from National League side Altrincham, the 27-year-old was taking the 2024-25 season by storm in the National League North and made 24 league appearances, 23 of which were starts in the first half of the campaign, scoring one goal in the game away at Spennymoor Town. That added to his appearances from the previous campaign, with a total of 42 across the two seasons (35 starts), and three goals. Unfortunately last season was curtailed early on New Year’s Eve when he suffered a serious injury against one of his former clubs King’s Lynn Town.

Since suffering his injury in December, Barrows has undergone surgery and has been documenting his long road to recovery, with the club keen to continue supporting that and assisting him in getting back out onto the grass to be part of the Iron’s National League campaign towards the end of the calendar year.

Following leaving the Iron in his youth career, Barrows would join Halifax where he would break into the first team, during his time at the Shay. He did spend a period of time out on loan at Frickley, where he scored four goals in seven games before having another spell away from the side, this time at North Ferriby.

Barrows would then have a stint at Grantham before signing for King’s Lynn towards the end of the 2018-19 season. In the following season, he would be part of the side which achieved promotion from National League. During their time in the National League, he’d make 58 appearances, scoring four goals.

After impressing he’d then move onto Altrincham for the 2022-23 season and started the campaign strongly, featuring in 13 games - including the 2-2 draw against the Iron. He signed for Scunthorpe that summer and has since had loans at Ilkeston Town and King’s Lynn.

Speaking following his new deal, Barrows said: “I’m buzzing, over the moon. I absolutely love it here, so I’m thankful to the Board for giving me an opportunity to get back fit and get back on the pitch for this club.

“I’m working hard, it’s been a tough start to the year. Hopefully in the next four-to-five weeks, I’ll be back running and then progress from there. From there, it’ll be more hard week. I’m probably round about where I should be at this stage. It’s a timescale, and I have that end goal, so I have to stay patient, remain headstrong and keep working hard.”