BURTON ALBION

LAST SEASON

LEAGUE ONE 16th FA CUP Second Round

LEAGUE CUP First Round TOP SCORER Daniel Jebbison ( 9)

FAN FILE

Last season was underwhelming, especially by the end. Uninspiring performances and a string of defeats stained what was a great start.

The big talking point is the position of boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink [ above]. Barnsley were lurking, and given our form it seemed likely we’d have a fresh start. The focus has turned to signings.

Our key player will be John Brayford [ below], our player of the season in what was generally a poor campaign defensively. His experience will be much needed again. The opposition player I’d love here is

Michael Cooper. Plymouth’s goalkeeper was the best in League One last term.

The active player I’d love to have

back is Hearts’ Liam Boyce – a special striker whose role in the team was never really replaced.

Fans think our owner is a legend. Ben Robinson has kept Burton stable while guiding us up the EFL. His importance to club history should gain more kudos.

Our most underrated player is Terry Taylor – he is by the manager, anyway. The 21- year- old looked good in flashes last year. A composed midfield head seems to be something we miss. I’m least looking forward to playing

Sheffield Wednesday. We conceded seven goals to them last season.

I won’t be happy unless we change our style. Starting with six defenders and one attacker was tough to watch.

The player I’d happily drive to

another club is Michael Mancienne. A bit harsh, perhaps, but he’s slowly turned into a cumbersome, yellow card- crazy defensive midfielder. The opposition player who grinds my

gears is Bolton keeper James Trafford. He’s rejoined them on loan, and his antics at the Pirelli after conceding three goals in five minutes last season certainly earned him a reputation. The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is dodgy. His relationship with supporters seems to have worsened. Tied in with the negative style and bad results last season, things are precarious. If he left, he should be replaced by

Neil Warnock. He’s got history with Burton, has unrivalled passion and is also a great laugh. We’ll finish 17th.

FFT VERDICT 17TH

Brayford staying helps Burton’s defensive cause but, often, only competence at the basics was required to keep the Brewers at bay last season. Hasselbaink’s side must be more inventive in open play if they are to avoid getting dragged into a relegation scrap.