Burton Albion are reportedly eyeing Rochdale manager Jim McNulty to take on the vacant head coach role at Pirelli Stadium following Mark Robinson’s dismissal.
With Burton struggling at 23rd in League One, relegation is looming, despite a recent morale boost with a first league win under interim manager Tom Hounsell.
Burton’s Struggles and Interim Revival
The Brewers have seen turbulent times this season, landing just one win under Hounsell after Robinson’s summer appointment ended abruptly with his sacking following a 3-2 loss to Wycombe Wanderers. Hounsell, initially Robinson’s assistant, has since steadied the team, with a victory over Shrewsbury, a draw against Crawley, and progressing past Scarborough in the FA Cup’s first round.
However, the team’s issues remain, especially in defence, where Burton have conceded 25 goals, only three less than the league’s weakest defence. Despite scoring at the league’s joint 15th-best rate, their porous backline has undermined any progress.
McNulty’s Appeal
The Nordic Football Group, Burton’s owners, are reportedly drawn to McNulty’s track record with Rochdale, where he’s spearheading a playoff bid in the National League with one of the division’s stingiest defences. His team has conceded only 16 goals in 17 matches, tied for fourth-best, which could be an asset Burton urgently needs.
McNulty’s preferred 3-4-3 formation also mirrors the approach Robinson initially implemented at Burton, aligning with the summer squad-building strategy. His tactical experience in stabilising defence could theoretically patch up Burton’s backline, which has conceded six more goals than expected, according to xGA metrics.
One area Burton might also want McNulty to address is their underwhelming set-piece play, as they have yet to convert from a dead-ball situation this season. A sharper focus on scoring from set-pieces and tightening up defensively could help them to climb the standings and out of the relegation zone.
Caution or Change?
While McNulty’s arrival might introduce defensive stability, there are arguments for allowing Hounsell more time in the role. The interim manager’s recent improvements and familiarity with the squad could justify extending his tenure, especially given the challenges of adapting to a new level and managing the current squad’s dynamics.
Writer’s View
McNulty’s potential appointment is a bold choice that signals Burton’s intent to remedy defensive frailties. However, the success seen under Hounsell in recent matches suggests he might deserve a longer trial. A sudden shift could disrupt any cohesion he’s managed to instil, making it crucial for Burton’s owners to weigh immediate stability against long-term defensive restructuring.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
