Burton Albion have tied down three first-teamers with new contracts as all three agree “significant pay cuts” to continue playing for the Brewers.
Stephen Quinn, Kieran Wallace and John Brayford were all out of contract after the 2019/20 season but have signed new deals which will see them remain at the Pirelli for the upcoming season.
34-year-old Stephen Quinn has signed a new one-year deal to keep him at the club for another season. Quinn joined Burton in August 2018 and has made 86 appearances for the Brewers after having his contract extended until the end of the 2019/20 campaign. The former Republic of Ireland international has won the supporters over with his hard work and technical ability in the central midfield position and has been ever-present in the starting eleven.
Brewers manager Jake Buxton has described him as “an influential part of the dressing room” and that “it’s a brilliant message to the Burton Albion supporters that someone of Stephen’s calibre wants to stay at the club”.
Joining Quinn in signing a new one-year deal is Kieran Wallace. Wallace is a versatile player who has been deployed in several positions including left-back and central midfield. The 25-year-old has made 61 appearances for the Brewers after joining the Pirelli in October 2018 and has proved himself as a valuable asset to the squad.
Jake Buxton told the press “we’re really happy that he’s staying” and described him as “a big part of our plans”. Buxton also praised Wallace’s determination and attitude by saying “He always gives everything out on the pitch and is a very reliable player.”
Also committing their future to the club is full-back John Brayford who has penned a new two-year contract with the Brewers. After coming through the Burton academy, Brayford re-joined the club permanently in 2017, nearly nine years since he left to join Crewe Alexandra. The 32-year-old has made 211 league appearances for the Brewers in two spells at the club and has been a crucial part of the Burton defence as well as providing support for the attack down the right-hand side.
Speaking to the official Burton website, Brayford said “If reducing my pay was going to help the football club in the long run, then I was happy to help.” He also added that he has some “unfinished business” with the club.
Our View
These new contracts will come as good news to Burton supporters who will be hoping for a push towards the play-off places next season. The three players offer great experience and are undoubtedly key members of the squad both on and off the field and have good relationships with Jake Buxton, who clearly believes they are important to the team’s set-up.
The versatility Wallace offers is very useful and rare for a player to have the attributes for a range of positions. Brayford is good going forward and is also a reliable defender while Quinn has been vital to the heart of the Brewers midfield this season.
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