Cape Town - Scunthorpe United have appointed former England cricket legend Sir Ian Botham as their new club president.

According to the Scunthorpe United website, Botham made 11 first team league appearances as a footballer for the Iron between 1980 and 1985 while living locally, and his affinity with United has remained strong ever since.

Iron chairperson Peter Swann said: “We had a table at the ball to mark his retirement from fundraising walks on Monday. I thought it would be great if we could offer him the opportunity to become Scunthorpe United President. He accepted it without hesitation.”

“It’s a couple of seasons since we lost John Godfrey (the former President). We spoke as a board and thought Sir Ian would make an ideal ambassador for us.”

“Sir Ian’s other work means he’s out of the country a lot, but he comes to watch the Iron when he can and also regularly watches on a feed when away. He’s always very vocal in his support for the club.”

“He has a great affinity with the Iron and will be a fantastic ambassador for Scunthorpe United.”

Scunthorpe United are currently in fifth spot in League One.