We’re pleased to announce the signing of Scunthorpe United midfielder Kian Scales, who joins the club on an initial one-month loan deal at the Neuven Stadium.

With 19 National League appearances to his name already this term, Scales played an integral part in the Irons’ progression into the fifth tier via the play-offs last season, racking up 45 outings and contributing with five goals and four assists to eventually claim glory in the final against Chester at the Attis Arena.

Prior to his permanent move to North Lincolnshire in the summer of 2023, the 24-year-old featured for League One side Bradford City where he learnt his trade in the youth ranks before eventually making his first-team debut, and won Goal of the Month shortly after with his first professional conversion, a curled effort from outside the box at Colchester United.

Successful loan spells at Bradford (Park Avenue) and Farsley Celtic followed between 2020 and 2023, joining the latter in two separate stints, and Scales now extends his experience at the Neuven Stadium as Radcliffe aim to maintain their position in the National League North play-off places.

Speaking to the media on the acquisition, manager Anthony Johnson said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Kian to the club! He’s someone who has been on our radar since his Bradford City days. It’s actually not that common to be able to get a player on loan who is in the matchday squad every week at his parent club, so it shows how well thought of he is at Scunthorpe.

He is a classy central midfielder who can also play wider, he’ll give us much needed support over the next month especially with the injuries we have, in particular Matt Sargent who’ll be out for around five weeks.’

Our new signing will wear the number 26 shirt, last worn by defender Isaac Lee at the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, and will be available for selection in tonight’s league tie against Macclesfield.

Welcome to Radcliffe, Kian!