Football Season Guide

Gary Bowyer enhanced his managerial reputation after coming in to save Burton Albion from what looked like an inevitable relegation. The Nordic Football Group completed the takeover of Burton Albion from Ben Robinson last summer and it would be fair to say they have plenty to learn following a challenging first season in charge. The appointment of Mark Robinson as head coach was an abject failure and they cut their losses in October. Last summer’s recruitment strategy remains questionable especially since the F.A. have just announced they are investigating, with potential conflicts of interest among a record 23 signings. It illustrates the mess that Bowyer inherited when he was appointed a week before Christmas. He relied on a spine of a team build around goalkeeper Max Crocombe, defenders Ryan Sweeney and Udoka Godwin-Malife, midfielder Charlie Webster and striker Rumarn Burrell. It was the form and goals of Burrell following the turn of the year that made a crucial difference and caught the attention. As is often the case Bowyer has been unable to retain some of those players with Crocombe stepping up a level to join Millwall and Sweeney opting to return to former club Mansfield Town. Keeping hold of Burrell was always going to be tricky, and he has now signed for Championship side Queens Park Rangers. Bowyer oversaw the improvement of several players, in addition to aforementioned Webster and Burrell. JJ McKiernon has returned on a season-long loan from Lincoln City whilst striker Fabio Tavares’ loan move from Coventry City has been made permanent. It means there’s no need for another overhaul of players this summer. A far more modest recruitment strategy, alongside Bowyer’s calm and collected approach, is exactly what the club needs right now. Goalkeeper Jordan Amissah has arrived from Ross County to replace the departed Crocombe whilst right-back Toby Sibbick and striker Jake Beesley add a little depth to the squad.