How Edwards and Powell responded to chats with Jake
AMONG a string of good Burton Albion performances in Tuesday night’s 4-2 win over Charlton Athletic, those of Ryan Edwards and Joe Powell stood out.
And manager Jake Buxton said after the game that both had responded to conversations he had with the pair, asking them for a little more.
Edwards, whose game is centred around his energy, has struggled for last season’s form after injuring his knee in the first game of pre-season.
But he was back to his tireless best on Tuesday night and his chasing down of Charlton keeper Ben Amos led directly to Burton’s second goal, scored by Powell after Amos was hurried into a poor clearance.
Powell, meanwhile, in his first full season in senior football, had suffered a dip in form after a strong start to the season and Tuesday night was his first start in seven League games.
“Ryan’s performance was to the level we expected and we got last season,” said Buxton.
“The assists and goals he got last season were tremendous, when I was in the dressing room with him.
“He’s a top lad and a top pro but I wanted him to know the difference between his performances of late (and last season’s).
“He turned up and put in the performance that we know he can.
“I ask the players questions on a daily basis. A big part of my management skills, I think, is that I’m an honest bloke.
“I speak with people and tell them honestly and I told Ryan that his performances were not at the level we expect.
“I told him he had to show a big difference between Saturday and Tuesday.
“He set the tempo in terms of pressing and he harrassed the goalkeeper. I think he set the standard for the lads.”
In Powell’s case, the conversation was about what he is doing when Burton are not in possession.
“Joe is another who we’ve had a conversation with, regarding what he does without the ball,” said Buxton.
“The situation we find ourselves in in the League, we can’t have players who only turn up when we have the ball. It’s important they work without the ball.
“Joe has class in abundance in terms of his ability with the ball, he’s at a different level and causes the opposition problems.
“I was really pleased with his efforts without the ball.
“He worked tirelessly hard to make sure he looked after the centre-halves and Ben Watson in Charlton’s midfield.
“He and Lucas Akins had to look after three of their players and he did it to a tee.”