Burton Albion settled back into League One comfortably last season, not truly troubling the promotion race, nor the relegation battle.
With their Championship adventure fading into the rearview mirror, we turn to FLW’s Gary Hutchinson to assess their chances of a return to the second tier.
How did they do following relegation?
“It wasn’t a bad return in the end. They finished ninth in the table, ten points adrift of the top six but only 13 clear of the bottom four.
“That sums up their return to the third tier really, neither here nor there. They didn’t struggle, that’s a bonus of course, but with limited means compared to some of their rivals they found it hard to attract the right sort of player, the one who could turn a game on its head.”
Has it been a positive summer?
“It’s not been a straightforward one. They’ve lost Kyle McFadzean and Marcus Harness, both to rival clubs as well. McFadzean has moved to Coventry City to replace the outgoing Jordan Willis, whilst Harness fetched a fee of around £1m recently in a move to Portsmouth.
“How that fee is spent will be of great interest to Brewers’ fans. Their leading scorer last season was Lucas Atkins on 13 and they’ll need to add to that if they’re going to mount a promotion challenge.”
Who have they brought in?
“So far, their transfer business has been speculative rather than outstanding.
“John-Joe O’Toole is a decent signing, he dropped out of League One with Northampton a year ago, but after the Cobblers failed to earn promotion, he left. He’s got a drive from the centre of the park and is experienced at this level too.
“Ryan Edwards and Jevan Anderson are both imports from Scotland, the first from Hearts but the latter from Formartine United. Anderson is earmarked as one for the future, but they need players for the here and now.
“Richard Nartey joins from Chelsea and Kieran O’Hara from Man Utd. The latter is a keeper and he was incredible for Macclesfield last season; he could be the next Dean Henderson.”
Where will they add value?
“Burton play a 4-1-4-1 formation under usual circumstances and Nartey will replace McFadzean at the back. I fully suspect O’Hara will get 40+ games under his belt too.
“As for O’Toole, he’ll be vying for a role in the middle of the park. Stephen Fraser and Stephen Quinn made up the midfield most of the time, Quinn holding in the 4-1-4-1, but sometimes as part of a 4-3-3.
“Jamie Allen has left for Coventry so it’s likely O’Toole will drop into his role.”
Is Nigel Clough still the right man for the job?
“It would be hugely unfair to say no; they’re punching above their weight even in the upper echelons of League One. That was highlighted this week when Alex Bradley, a player who turned them down because of wages, signed for Lincoln City, promoted from League Two.
“Clough gets the best out of his limited means. They play a decent brand of football and work hard for each other, but without a man to score 15 or more goals a season, they might struggle to crack the top six.”
Where will they finish?
“They’re not going to be in the bottom four, that I’m certain of. They’ve got enough quality and commitment to ensure a midtable finish.
“Can they improve on ninth place? That’s going to be a big ask. Much of the side have stayed together, but they’ve yet to replace Harness and they do need a threat up front.
“Time is ticking away on them; fill these gaps and maybe they’ll launch a promotion challenge. Fail to do so and their stay in the third tier goes on a little longer.”