Burton Albion have been a surprise package for several seasons now, with the former non-league side marking a rapid ascent up the English football pyramid with promotion to the Championship in 2016.

Tipped as favourites for the drop, Burton survived by just a single point, but things were more comfortable than they appear, with Nigel Clough’s men confirming their safety in the penultimate round of fixtures.

The Brewers have already begun preparations for their second year in the division, and raised eyebrows by smashing their transfer record to sign SPFL top scorer Liam Boyce in a big money move.

Boyce had been touted for a move to the Championship big boys, so pulling off a deal for the player marked a real coup for the Staffordshire club.

Clough identified that his side needed to score more goals having mustered only 49 in 46 league games last season, and addressed this problem efficiently with the capture of Boyce.

Now if the former Derby boss can bolster his defence and bring the already reasonable figure of 63 goals conceded down to a lower figure, then the Brewers can quickly establish themselves as a solid Championship mid-table side.

This would be a dream outcome for fans of the club, whose attendances last season were absolutely dwarfed by the majority of their rivals last year.

It will be the same this year, but the side from the Pirelli Stadium can rest easy in the knowledge that they have a fantastic young manager at the helm, and will continue to punch above their weight in the division once more.

I’m sure Burton fans agree that whatever happens next year, it’s been one hell of a ride.