SKIPPER BUXTON AIMS TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE
WHILE some sides are criticised for cheapening the role of the captain within their squad, Burton skipper Jake Buxton is proof that the armband is more than symbolic.
The 33-year-old centre-back has undergone a tough period with the Brewers as Nigel Clough’s side slipped out of the Championship before struggling to impose themselves in League One this term.
As a veteran, Buxton understands the need to dig in and be counted during periods of difficulty, and is making sure that he takes his fair share of responsibility for Burton’s travails.
“My performances haven’t been good enough in the last 18 months but recently I’ve performed well,” he said. “It’s not nice being in the changing room, just picking up your money and not playing. Some would do that for the next five years but, as you’ve seen, I’m a bit different to most.
“I want to make sure that if I’m at this football club, I’m here and deserve to be paid, and that when I go on that pitch, I’m capable of doing a job.”
The Brewers had put together a four-match unbeaten league run heading into yesterday’s game at Shrewsbury, easing the pain of that 9-0 defeat at Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
And Buxton knows how vital it is for the dressing room to have a leader to look up to.
No surprise, then, that he is assessing his options with regard to a potential move into management in the future.
“I’m doing all my qualifications so that in the summer I’m in a position where I am qualified,” he added. “I do want to stay in the game when I finish and when that decision comes, and something presents itself to me, you weigh up your options and see what’s around the corner.”