With the confirmation of Martin Paterson’s departure as Burton Albion boss coming a week ago, the Brewers are still yet to replace the 37-year-old.
As many clubs are already making moves in the market to prepare squads for next season, the Staffordshire outfit needs to make the right decision without wasting too much time.
As they hunt for their new boss, here are five managers the club could consider.
Pete Wild – unattached
This appointment would make sense due to Wild being unattached and no compensation fee needing to be agreed upon.
The 39-year-old had guided FC Halifax Town to two top-six finishes in the National League before replacing Phil Brown at Barrow. Wild took the Bluebirds to their best-ever League finishes but fell short in the hunt for a playoff spot in both seasons in charge.
The former Oldham Athletic manager is used to working with limited financial resources, having utilised free transfers and the loan market at Holker Street.
Having been somewhat surprisingly relieved of his duties in Cumbria now could be an ideal time for Wild to test himself at League One level.
Mark Robinson – Chelsea Development Squad
Robinson spent over 15 years at AFC Wimbledon in various roles before heading to Stanford Bridge to take charge of the development side.
His only taste of first-team management was a 70-game spell with the Dons where he achieved 18 wins and 23 draws.
Robinson taking over at regular strugglers Burton could be viewed by some as a risk for both parties but he does have experience working on a budget and his skills in youth development could prove fruitful for the Staffordshire side.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – England Technical Coach
With rumours circulating of Gareth Southgate leaving his role as England’s manager after Euro 2024, could Hasselbaink be tempted for a third spell at the Pirelli Stadium?
The Dutchman first took the reins at Burton in November 2014 and guided the club to the League Two title with a highly impressive record of 33 wins from 54 matches.
After over six years away, Hasselbaink returned in January 2021 to guide the club to League One safety and two 16th-place finishes.
It is doubtful he would leave a job with England for a return to The Brewers, however, the England decision may be made for him should Southgate leave and new staff are appointed.
He knows the club and has been successful in the past, whether he returns for his hat trick remains to be seen!
Leam Richardson – unattached
Richardson is a League One winning manager, having won the division with Wigan Athletic in 2021-22.
Despite being dismissed by Wigan early in the Championship season, it is a surprise Richardson had to wait over a year for his next spell in the dugout. He was appointed at Rotherham United but failed to save the club from what was an always likely relegation.
He worked in challenging circumstances at what is now the Brick Community Stadium, an experience that would stand him in good stead for the financial constraints that would come with the role at Burton.
Gary Rowett – unattached
Another former Burton manager, Rowett guided the Brewers to the League Two playoffs in successive seasons and left for Birmingham City with the club third in the table.
His last job was as interim manager for Birmingham but he was unable to save the club from dropping into League One.
Having managed solely in the Championship since leaving Staffordshire, the 50-year-old may still believe he will be in line for a job at that level rather than dropping into the lower reaches of League One.
