There has been big turnover of staff at Eton Park during the summer, and with so many new faces it is difficult to pick out the best players at this stage. The pre-season games have given a glimpse of what could be with good performances from the young pair of Chris Hall and Laurie Wilson. Their enthusiasm and energy could prove to be the crucial ingredient that was missing last year.
Who do you regard as your weakest link?
Who do you regard as your weakest link?
As for a weak link, it would have to be the concerns over who is going to score the goals. Mark Robins was signed but has been sidelined with injury before a ball has been kicked. Robbie Talbot has proved he can score at this level but has been plagued by injury and confidence problems.
How do you think Burton Albion have faired in the transfer market?
How do you think Burton Albion have faired in the transfer market?
After a quiet start to the summer, there has been a flurry of activity in the transfer market and the signings look to be good. Apart from the aforementioned Mark Robins, the defence has been strengthened by the addition of Michael Simpkins from Rochdale and Lee Ayres from Tamworth. Midfield additions have been made with the capture of Laurie Wilson and Chris Hall and Martin Taylor joined from Telford initially as goalkeeping coach, but has been thrust into the limelight as the manager has failed to sign a replacement keeper after Matt Duke left for Hull City.
How do your rate your manager?
How do your rate your manager?
Nigel Clough is, and probably always will be, regarded as a God at Burton Albion. He rescued the club from Southern League mediocrity and thrust them to one step away from the Football League. The money and media attention that he has brought to the club is enormous and the club both on and off the field has never looked so healthy.
What are your expectations for the coming season?
What do you think of Accrington Stanley?
What are your expectations for the coming season?
As for expectations for this season, most supporters are looking for improvement again in the final league position. No one doubts that it will be difficult to compete with the full-time clubs, however a top 10 finish must be viewed as the absolute minimum.
What do you think of Accrington Stanley?
It is no secret that there is no love lost between the Burton and Accrington. The two sides had never met before the Brewers transferred over to the Unibond league, and I am sure that the Stanley fans thought that they would have won the league had we not have been there. The matches have been blood and thunder affairs and apart from last season at the Crown Ground have ended mostly in the Brewers favour.
Burton are a disciplined, footballing side whilst Accy are a bunch of cheating divers and perhaps that is why the two clubs and sets of fans don't see eye to eye.
Who will get promoted/relegated from the Conference this season?
Who will get promoted/relegated from the Conference this season?
The favourites for promotion are being touted as Carlisle but I don't think that it will be as easy for them as many are saying. Although they will at least make the play offs, I do think that the biggest danger will come from Morecambe and Aldershot.
Finally, what will the score be on Saturday?
Finally, what will the score be on Saturday?
As for the relegation fodder, it has to be Leigh, Farnborough and Forest Green.
Score for Saturday, I think it will be tight, 1-1.