Football Season Guide

Burton are back to League One after two seasons in the Championship, with their relegation coming after they finished the previous season two points adrift of safety. Despite the relegation, the club opted to stick with manager Nigel Clough, which is hardly too much of a surprise, given both Clough's experience and the fact that the Brewers were punching above their weight by being in the second tier in the first place. Back into the league from which they were promoted just over two years ago, the Bantams' first concern will be to avoid becoming a part of an increasing trend of clubs suffering consecutive relegations, with their drop down the league pyramid inevitably resulting in several players leaving them. Luke Murphy, Jacob Davenport and Darren Bent are among the regulars who are now back with their parent clubs, while the Brewers have parted ways with as many as ten players this summer. The list of arrivals includes only two names, with the new men being David Templeton and Scott Fraser, both unknowns at League One level. While hardly any players remain from their promotion-achieving side, the Burton still have a squad that is quality at this level, with players with plenty of League One experience available in all areas of the team. Having surprised everyone by getting out of League One in the first place, the Brewers will not be seen as one of the immediate favourites to go up, but with a solid squad and an experienced manager in charge, might feel that they have a chance of bouncing straight up.