A lot of things have changed at Scunthorpe since Swindon Town star Michael Timlin spent an injury-plagued spell on loan – the biggest of which has seen the physio become the manager.

Timlin returns to Glanford Park two-and-a-half years on this afternoon to renew acquaintances with Nigel Adkins after spending time on his treatment table during a temporary switch that saw him complete just 12 minutes in a Scunthorpe shirt.

Since then Adkins the physio has become Adkins the manager after a bold move by the board following the departure of former boss Brian Laws.

It is a move that even came as a surprise to a player who had not long departed Adkins now defunct treatment table.

Timlin said: "I went there on loan and I spent more time on Nigel's treatment table than I did on the pitch.

"I missed the first game because I was involved with the Republic of Ireland U21 side in a tournament in Madeira

"When I returned I got injured in the first game and I went back to Fulham after getting a bit of treatment off Nigel.

"A few months later I heard he had got the manager's job and I have to say I was quite shocked – there is not many clubs where the physio becomes manager.

"He managed to take Scunthorpe on to win the title that season so it was a good decision for the club in the end.

"Even though they got relegated from the Championship the next time round, the club has still stuck by him and it seems to be paying off."

There are certainly no signs of a relegation hangover.