“Stand Tall, Stand Firm” – Roj Rahman’s story of resilience, community and Scunthorpe United

In this episode of News Direct, Rob sits down with Roj Rahman — a Scunthorpe lad with a powerful story about growing up in North Lincolnshire, navigating identity and hardship, and finding purpose through education, faith and service. Roj reflects on arriving in the UK as a child, the realities of the 1970s, and the moments that shaped him - from school experiences and early challenges to the turning point that reignited his drive to learn. He shares the mentors who backed him, how he went on to higher education in engineering, and why he ultimately chose to come home. The conversation also explores Roj’s community work and his role in supporting Scunthorpe United, stepping up during difficult times with a focus on sustainability, teamwork and stewardship. Expect warmth, honesty, local nostalgia, and a lot of life philosophy: values, expectations, disappointment, love, and the idea of “standing tall” through every season. Desert island picks? Roj goes full 80s… plus a luxury item that says everything about humility and grounding. Content note: This episode includes discussion of racist language and experiences, shared in the context of lived experience.