BURTON ALBION

Last season was torrid for the first five months under inexperienced boss Jake Buxton, followed by our turnaround of the highest quality after the reappointment of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and his assistant Dino Maamria. We even produced a six- match winning streak – the longest in our League history – and finished well clear of the drop. This season will be different to

last because we have a group of exciting players joining. We’ve been guilty of signing ageing players late in windows in the past, but this term the club had nine new arrivals before pre- season even started – including Carlisle’s promising Omari Patrick, Louis Moult from Preston and Conor Shaughnessy staying permanently.

I won’t be happy unless we build on the blocks we laid last season. We’ve shown intent since January, and it felt like we’d discovered the ideal blend between going forward and being solid at the back.

Our most underrated player is Michael Mancienne. He definitely gained a few plaudits following a successful six months at the club last season, but not enough.

Look out for Ciaran Gilligan [ below], an energetic young midfielder who will be looking to build on several impressive performances. He was called up for Ireland’s U19s in May. The player I’d happily drive to

another club is Kieran Wallace. A bit harsh as he’s been a fine utility man since joining from Matlock, but he had a turbulent campaign through injury and COVID. It could be a long campaign if he struggles to hit his previous heights.

Our key player will be Michael Bostwick [ above] – a pivotal part of Hasselbaink’s revival last season. He’ll be one of our ever- presents. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is one of collective admiration. Many wouldn’t have thought Hasselbaink could better his past magic with us, but he did. His name will already go down in Brewers history – his two spells have been short, but what he has achieved will never be forgotten. We’ll finish 6th.