Football Season Review

A remarkable season of two halves for Burton as they completed a great escape from relegation. When rookie manager Jake Buxton left the club on 29th December they were bottom of League One, six points from safety, with only one victory in their last 19 games. Former boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink took over and oversaw an amazing turnaround in fortunes. From 9th January they won nine of their next 11 matches, a run which put them seven points clear of the relegation zone. They secured survival with three games to spare after drawing at Wigan. Hasselbaink’s success was built on how well he integrated the 12 new players he signed in January. He implemented an energetic, direct style of play which teams found tough to handle. Their away record under Hasselbaink was a major factor in their success. Since he took over Burton picked up eight wins and three draws on the road with their only defeat coming on the last day of the season. Veteran club captain John Brayford was a reliable figure in defence. Kane Hemmings was the top scorer with 13 goals. The standout performer was Ryan Edwards who featured in 40 of the 43 league games. He played in several midfield positions and brought seemingly limitless energy and effort. Hasselbaink and Burton seem to be a perfect match. Based on their performances in the second half of this campaign and Hasselbaink’s success in the transfer market they seem well set for a play-off push next season.

Player of the Season: Ryan Edwards