Beestin talks after signing his new Iron contract

Midfielder Alfie Beestin has extended his stay at the Sands Venue Stadium for another two-years, taking his contract until the summer of 2024.

Since signing for the Iron in January 2020, the former Doncaster Rovers man has made 86 appearances for the club, scoring on six occasions, including important goals against Colchester United, Cambridge United and Southend United last term.

Speaking to iFollow Iron following the extension of his contract, Beestin said: “I’m buzzing to get the deal over the line.

“It’s a great club here and it’s been a disappointing season, not just for the club, but myself. I feel like personally it’s not been the best season from me but that’s why I want to try and get this club back to where it belongs and hopefully put another good two-years in.

First team manager Keith Hill said following the extension of Beestin’s contract that the 24-year-old midfielder is a ‘key component’ of his plans moving forward into next season.

“I respect him for believing in my ability, even after this season,” said Beestin.

“I know I’ve not had the best season but for him (Hill) to put that trust in me and give me a two-year deal; I can’t thank him enough. 

“Hopefully I can show him some good performances next season and try get this team back in the Football League,” he finished.

The adverse side effects of Covid-19 on Beestin this season have been well documented by Hill, who revealed the midfielder was sent to see a specialist regarding the issue in February. 

Speaking on recovering from the virus, Beestin stated: “Covid didn’t come at the best time for me, and it’s affected me quite badly, but that’s no excuse.

“I’ve had enough time to come back now and try put in the performances, but it just hasn’t been enough this season.

“When the manager first came in, I felt like I was putting in some good performances and he had that trust in me to give me that freedom to do what I can on the pitch. Since Covid came it hit me bad, and set me back a couple of months, so I found it hard to get back to that full level of fitness."

“I’m finding my fitness back again now, but it’s coming right at the end of the season,” he added.

“I need to have a good pre-season next season and hopefully push on.”

Speaking about having a pre-season under the manager ahead of next season, Beestin revealed: “It’s always intense in training but that’s the way you want it.

“We all know it’s going to be a tough pre-season but it’s what we need. We want to be the fittest team in the league, we want to play as a pressing team, and that’s how we have to play under this manager.”

In December 2018 Beestin arrived at Chesterfield on-loan in the National League for a one-month stint, making five appearances.

Speaking on his brief experiences in the National League, he said: “I’ve played in this league and it’s not an easy league, probably one of the hardest leagues to get out of.

“We need to have a good pre-season and start strong to hopefully get this team back in the Football League.”

See much more from Alfie Beestin and Keith Hill on iFollow Iron.