LUCAS IS ALWAYS IN THE BREW
THERE are not many players willing or able to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the team by playing in every outfield position – but then, Lucas Akins is one of a kind.
The 30-year-old forward joined Burton Albion in 2014 when they were in League Two, helping the club to backto-back promotions to the Championship before being relegated last season.
Now in his fifth season at the club, he has made more than 200 appearances for the Brewers and become renowned for his versatility, with goalkeeper the only position not on his CV.
But the former Huddersfield prospect wouldn’t have it any other way and admits he is happy playing wherever he is needed as long as he gets to do what he loves most.
No-brainer
“If someone had told me when I first joined in League Two, I might have to fill in at right-back in the Championship, it would have been a no-brainer,” he said.
“I would be delighted to make a start in the Championship with Burton in whatever position, so it’s just about embracing it and trying to help the team however I can.
“Your mentality has to be strong because you can be going from defence, where your main focus is to keep a clean sheet, to going up front, where you’re up there to create and score goals.
“I just try and keep a clear mind but, through it all, you enjoy it, you help your teammates, and you learn from your position – you appreciate little things you may not have appreciated before.
“I remember being told I was playing centre-half at Wimbledon earlier in the season and I’d not played there before but we won 3-0 and I was chomping at the bit for a clean sheet.
“Then I was thinking, ‘wait a minute – we’ve scored three goals here. Am I going to get back in up front?!’ but you’re delighted because as you get older you realise it’s a team game.
“What I’ve achieved at the club, nothing has been done individually. It’s always been done collectively, so I appreciate both sides of it and get on with my role the best I can.”
Having played in three different divisions at the Pirelli Stadium and experienced a plethora of highs and lows, Akins has developed a cult status amongst the Brewers faithful.
In fact, a group of fans unveiled a banner in tribute to Akins earlier this season which appropriately read: “Lucas Akins – a man for all seasons, a man for all positions.”
Being the modest man he is, though, Akins is not one to let the acclaim go to his head, despite appreciating that heartfelt sentiment.
Legend
“I always chuckle when they say club legend or fan favourite,” he said. “It’s really a moment where you have to pinch yourself because, at the end of the day, I’m doing a job that I love, so to be appreciated is touching and humbling.
“When I first joined, I couldn’t have imagined the journey I’ve been on and the little things like the banner are nice. It’s a really special club and we’re lucky to have the fanbase we do.”
Akins signed a new threeyear contract earlier this year and with Burton entering this weekend in mid-table but seven points above the drop zone, the task for the remainder of the current campaign is crystal clear.
“With us being relegated last year, it’s important to stop that trajectory because bigger teams than us have been relegated twice,” said the Brewers’ utility man. “Right now, we just need to consolidate our position.”