On Saturday, following a 2-1 defeat to Steve Evans’ Stevenage, Burton Albion announced that they had parted ways with manager Dino Maamria.
The Tunisian joined Burton in January 2021, originally as assistant to Jimmy Floyd Hassebaink before taking the hot seat in September 2022.
The Brewers have lost their last three matches and sit in 19th, just four points above the drop zone. However, those three games were very tough matches against promotion-chasing Portsmouth, Peterborough United and the aforementioned Stevenage.
Here we look at five potential managers the club may look to pursue…
Gareth Ainsworth
Ex-QPR and Wycombe boss Ainsworth was let go by the R’s after struggling in the Championship, eventually being dismissed in October following six defeats. In 14 games in which he took charge this season, the 50-year-old managed just two wins.
He does know his way around League One however, and is somewhat of a hero in Wycombe after being with the Buckinghamshire club for 10 years. He managed two promotions during that time, from League Two in 2018 and then taking the club to the Championship in 2020 for the first time in their history.
Dean Brennan
Barnet manager Brennan is the current favourite to take over the reins at the Brewers. However, as we all know that can mean very little. In over 140 matches, the Irishman has an impressive 47% win ratio having also managed fellow National League side Wealdstone during that time.
Brennan has done in unbelievable job at Barnet, with the Bees currently sat in third. That being said, they have lost each of their last four matches and he could be tempted by a new challenge.
Mark Bonner
Ex-Cambridge United manager Bonner parted company with the U’s in November following a 3-0 defeat to Lincoln City whilst sitting in 18th place in League One. The 38-year-old had been with the third tier side for three years and had only signed a new “long-term” deal in September, but lost his job following three straight defeats.
If Bonner wants an immediate return to management then Burton could be the perfect club to do so and, already proven in the league, it is probably one of the safer picks in the list, but maybe not the one fans are after.
Gary Rowett
Ex-Millwall and Stoke manager Rowett had been in charge of the Lions for four years but was let go by the South Londoners in October. This happened despite him achieving eight points out of a possible 15 prior to his sacking, with Millwall sat in 15th at the time and just three points off the play-offs.
Interestingly, he did turn out for Burton as a player in the early 2000’s when they played in the then Conference Premier. That previous history with the club might be able to tempt him into a job.
Karl Robinson
Ex-Charlton Athletic, MK Dons and Oxford United manager Robinson is the final name on this list. The 48-year-old had a relatively short playing career, plying his trade amongst a number of non-league clubs.
The 2015 season was arguably his best at Milton Keynes as his club beat Manchester United 4-0 in the EFL Cup and guided them to second in League One and a historic promotion.
Most recently, he was Sam Allardyce’s assistant at Leeds during his short tenure and may now want to challenge himself again by taking charge of first team duties.
