Clough: The gulf in size between Burton & Newcastle is enormous

BURTON boss Nigel Clough called today’s clash with Newcastle the BIGGEST league mismatch in the country.

many years ago we were playing the likes of Bradford Park Avenue and Accrington around this period.

“I hope that the Magpies manager Rafa Benitez will join us for a glass of wine after the game and all of his staff.

“We aren’t sure how we will fit them all in, in our tiny office though!

“It’s certainly the strongest squad we are coming up against.

“They have the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dwight Gayle, Jonjo Shelvey in midfield who has gone for big money.

“I don’t think there is any point in us sitting back against Newcastle. We have to play at an intensity to outplay teams in this league.

“To repeat it, this game is going to be hard for anyone to do in England.

“We will play the same way we usually do at home and give them a go. When we play with the energy and enthusiasm as well as some quality we can cause teams problems.”

Clough reckons Benitez’s decision to stick with the Magpies despite their relegation from the Premier League has been key to their response in the Championship this term.

He said of the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss: “It was a decision to be applauded to go to Newcastle when he did.

“I think him coming in – and then staying at St James’ Park – gave everybody at the club a lift and is instrumental to their performances this season.”

‘Not so many years ago Burton were playing Park Avenue. I hope Rafa Benitez will join us for a glass of wine’