Burton Albion

Burton Albion Football Club, affectionately known as The Brewers, is a proud member of the English Football League with a rich history rooted in the heart of Staffordshire.

Founded in 1950, the club has built a legacy of resilience and community spirit, rising through the ranks of non-league football to achieve wonderful success in the Football League, including two seasons in the Championship.

Despite their status as one of the smaller clubs in the league system, they continue to punch above their weight. Currently, Burton Albion competes in EFL League One having completed their own Great Escape this season under the guidance of Gary Bowyer. Read more such news at The Real EFL.

Burton Albion Updates

Burton Albion’s 2024–25 season was a rollercoaster marked by early struggles, key injuries, and a dramatic turnaround. Under Mark Robinson, the Brewers failed to win any of their first 13 league games, prompting his dismissal in October.

Interim manager Tom Hounsell briefly took charge before Gary Bowyer’s appointment in December. Bowyer orchestrated a remarkable revival, securing eight league victories and ensuring League One survival with a crucial draw against Wigan Athletic in April.

The squad faced significant injury setbacks: defender Geraldo Bajrami suffered a season-ending ACL injury in August, while Chelsea loanee Ronnie Stutter’s stint was hampered by injuries and limited playtime, leading to his recall in January.  

Despite these challenges, the team’s morale improved under Bowyer’s leadership, culminating in a remarkable end to the season and another term in League One.

Burton Albion Transfer News & Rumours

Burton Albion’s 2024–25 transfer activity saw huge changes to the playing squad as part of the strategic overhaul under new ownership.

The club set a British record by signing 23 players in a single window. Key arrivals included striker Danilo Orsi from Crawley Town and midfielder Ben Whitfield from Barrow. However, both were loaned out to League Two during the season due to limited impact at the Pirelli Stadium.

Forward Fábio Tavares joined on loan from Coventry City, contributing two goals in ten appearances. The Portuguese has since made his loan move permanent.

Departures featured Sam Hughes to Stockport County and Joe Powell to Rotherham. Rumours linked veteran striker Jordan Rhodes with a loan move from Blackpool, suggesting a focus on experienced talent.

Manager Gary Bowyer emphasised the need for reinforcements to reshape the squad. Compared to League One counterparts, Burton’s aggressive recruitment strategy highlighted a commitment to revitalising the team for improved performance.

Burton Albion Signings

Burton Albion’s 2024–25 recruitment drive introduced a blend of youth and experience to bolster their League One campaign.

Notable additions include 21-year-old left-back Dylan Williams, who joined on loan from Chelsea, and 24-year-old centre-back Udoka Godwin-Malife, Swindon Town’s Players’ Player of the Season.

Striker Rumarn Burrell made an immediate impact, earning January’s Player of the Month with five goals in six matches. Midfield dynamo Elliot Watt led the team with four assists and 40 chances created, while right-back Nick Akoto provided defensive solidity.

Player	Age	Nationality	Club Left	Transfer Fee	Contract Duration
Terence Vancooten	26	Guyana	Stevenage League One	£500,000	Three Years
Charlie Webster	20	English	Chelsea U21 Premier League 2	Free	Three Years
Elliot Watt	24	Scotland	Salford City League Two	Free	N/A
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson	32	Iceland	Wrexham League One	Free	N/A
Ben Whitfield	28	England	Barrow League Two	Free	Two Years
Billy Bodin	32	Wales	Oxford United Championship	Free	Two Years
Tomas Kalinauskas	25	Lithuania	FC Den Bosch Keuken Kampioen Divisie	Free	Three Years
Geraldo Bajrami	24	Albania	Notts County League Two	Free	Two Years
Rumarn Burrell	23	Jamaica	Cove Rangers League One	Free	Three Years
Jack Armer	23	Scotland	Carlisle United League Two	Free	Two Years
Jack Cooper-Love	22	Sweden	Elfaborg Allsvenskan	Free	Three Years
Udoka Godwin-Malife	24	England	Swindon Town League Two	Free	Three Years
Harry Isted	27	England	Charlton Athletic League One	Free	Two Years
Danilo Orsi	29	England	Crawley Town League One	Free	Three Years
James Jones	28	Scotland	Wrexham League One	Free	18 Months
Nick Akoto	25	America	Tormenta FC USL1	Free	Three Years
Jason Sraha	21	England	Shrewsbury Town League One	Free	Three Years
Alex Bannon	20	Scotland	Queens Park Championship	Free	Four Years
Ivan Inzoudine	27	France	FC Chambly Oise National 2 Group C	Free	N/A
Jack Hazlehurst	24	England	Chorley National League North	Free	Three Years
Julian Larsson	23	Sweden	Nottingham Forest U21 Premier League 2	Free	Three Years
Romelle Donovan	17	England	Birmingham City League One	Loan	Four Months
Alejandro Bran	23	Costa Rica	Minnesota MLS	Loan	N/A
JJ McKiernan	22	Northern Ireland	Lincoln City League One	Loan	Season Long
Fabio Tavares	24	Portugal	Coventry City Championship	Loan	Six Months
Owen Dodgson	21	England	Burnley Championship	Loan	Season Long
Dylan Williams	20	England	Chelsea U21 Premier League 2	Loan	Season Long
Ronnie Stutter	19	England	Chelsea U21 Premier League 2	Loan	Six Months
Kyran Lofthouse	24	England	Barnsley League One	Loan	Six Months
Jack Stretton	23	Scotland	Without Club	Free	Six Months
Anthony Forde	31	Ireland	Without Club	Free	Six Months

Burton Albion Key Matches Of The Season

Burton Albion’s season was one of two halves, after a dismal start that included defeats to Lincoln City on the opening day of the campaign and a comprehensive loss to Blackpool in the EFL Cup.

The Brewers started to turn their season around, with morale-boosting victories against Scarborough in the FA Cup and crucial defeats of Peterborough United, Stevenage and Huddersfield Town that helped to secure safety.

These matches encapsulate the highs and lows of Burton Albion’s season, reflecting their journey from early adversity to eventual survival in League One.

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Burton Albion Key Achievements

Burton Albion Football Club rose from non-league obscurity to national prominence through steady progression and key milestones.

Founded in 1950, the club spent decades in regional leagues before earning promotion to the Football League in 2009 under Nigel Clough. Success followed quickly, with Burton winning the League Two title in 2014–15 and achieving promotion to the Championship just a year later—a remarkable feat for a club of its size.

From 2016 to 2018, Burton competed in the Championship, earning respect for their competitiveness against far larger teams. A historic 2018–19 EFL Cup run saw them reach the semi-finals, defeating Middlesbrough. These achievements cemented Burton Albion’s reputation as one of England’s most determined and ambitious lower-league clubs.

• Northern Premier League Champions – 2001-02
• Conference Champions – 2008-09
• League Two Champions – 2014-15
• Southern League Cup Winners – 1963–64, 1996–97, 1999–2000
• Northern Premier League Challenge Cup Winners – 1982-83

Burton Albion Current Squad

Burton Albion’s 2024–25 squad features a blend of youth and experience. Key players include goalkeeper Max Crocombe, defenders Ryan Sweeney and Dylan Williams, midfielders Elliot Watt and Ciaran Gilligan, and forwards Danilo Orsi and Billy Bodin.

Emerging talents like Finn Delap and Dylan Scott add depth. The team aims for League One stability under manager Gary Bowyer.

Burton Albion Attackers

Burton Albion’s 2024–25 attacking lineup combined seasoned forwards and emerging talents. Rumarn Burrell led with 11 goals, followed by Danilo Orsi with six, and Jón Daði Böðvarsson and Charlie Webster each netting five.

Burton Albion Midfielders

Elliot Watt began the season as a central figure in the Albion squad, leading with four assists and creating numerous chances before being loaned to St Johnstone.

Tomas Kalinauskas contributed significantly with three assists and 17 chances created while Charlie Webster netted five goals from midfield.

Burton Albion Defenders

Captain Ryan Sweeney led with 345 duels won, anchoring the backline with consistency. Udoka Godwin-Malife contributed both defensively and offensively, recording 27 chances created and three assists.

Jack Armer provided stability with 38 appearances as Jason Sraha and Terence Vancooten offered depth, while injuries limited Geraldo Bajrami’s impact.

Burton Albion Goalkeepers

Max Crocombe stood as Burton Albion’s primary goalkeeper, making 43 league appearances, conceding 58 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets.

Crocombe made 133 saves which is close to 70% of the shots he faced.

Backup goalkeeper Harvey Isted featured in just three League One matches, conceding eight goals with a lowly 38.5% save percentage.

Burton Albion Manager & Coaching Staff

Gary Bowyer, appointed in December 2024, is Burton Albion’s head coach. With prior managerial roles at Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, and Dundee, Bowyer brought a wealth of experience to the club. He successfully guided Burton to League One safety during the 2024–25 season.

Supporting him is assistant head coach Pat Lyons, who has coached underage teams at Derby County, and first-team coach John Brayford, a former Burton defender with over 300 appearances.

Head of Goalkeeping Jake Kean is a former Blackburn Rovers stopper who has been with the Brewers since 2021.

Gary Bowyer – Head Coach

Bowyer took charge of Burton Albion in December 2024, with the club languishing in 23rd place in League One.

Drawing on a managerial career that includes stints at Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Salford City, and Dundee—where he secured promotion to the Scottish Premiership—Bowyer changed the club’s fortunes dramatically using an approach focused on defensive solidity.

Over his 27 League One matches in charge, Bowyer picked up an average of 1.3 points per game with a record of nine wins and eight draws.

His emphasis on unity and hard work led to a remarkable turnaround, lifting Burton out of the relegation zone and earning him acclaim as a ‘miracle’ worker.

Pat Lyons – Assistant Head Coach

Lyon joined the Brewers in December 2019, bringing with him a wealth of experience.

He has previously held roles with Derby County across youth and senior sides and his focus is to provide defensive solidity for the team.

John Brayford – First Team Coach

John Brayford has been a key figure at Burton Albion, both as a dependable defender and later in a coaching role.

Having previously played for Derby County, Sheffield United, and Cardiff City, Brayford brought experience and leadership back to Burton.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, defensive organization, and player development. Tactically, he favours a compact, resilient backline and adaptability across formations.

Brayford has a deep connection with the club having made over 300 appearances during his time as a player and his presence has greatly influenced Burton’s turnaround in form.

Jake Kean – Head of Goalkeeping

Jake Kean is a former goalkeeper with experience at Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday, who joined Burton Albion as Head of Goalkeeping in November 2021.

His first venture into coaching after his playing career came at Notts County in 2019 before moving to the Pirelli Stadium.

At Burton, Kean has been instrumental in developing goalkeepers across all levels, contributing to the club’s defensive resilience.

Burton Albion Former Managers & Key Coaches

Burton Albion’s managerial history includes Nigel Clough, who led them to the Championship for the first time. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink secured the League Two title in 2014–15.

Gary Rowett stabilized the club in League Two, laying the foundations for future success. These managers shaped Burton’s rise through the leagues with disciplined, pragmatic football and strong team ethics.

Dino Maamria (2022-23)

Maamria took over as Burton Albion manager in September 2022 with the club bottom of League One.

He guided them to a 15th-place finish, securing safety with three games to spare. His tenure featured a seven-match unbeaten run, including a 4-1 victory over Bristol Rovers.

However, after a six-game winless streak, Maamria was dismissed in December 2023. He later described his time at Burton as a success, noting the club’s improved points tally during his tenure.

Martin Paterson (2024)

Paterson managed Burton Albion from January to May 2024, his first senior managerial role.

Taking over with the club in 17th place, he secured their League One status, finishing 20th, narrowly avoiding relegation.

His tenure concluded with mutual agreement upon contract expiry.

Mark Robinson (2024)

Robinson’s time as Burton Albion manager in 2024 was brief and challenging.

Appointed in June after successful youth coaching roles at AFC Wimbledon and Chelsea, he aimed to blend dynamic football with youth development at the start of a new era for the club.

However, the team struggled, earning only four points from 11 League One matches and suffering a 3-2 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers. With just one win in 14 games, his contract was terminated in October, leaving Burton at the bottom of the table.

Gary Bowyer (2024-Present)

Bowyer took charge of Burton Albion in December 2024, with the club languishing in 23rd place in League One.

Drawing on his extensive managerial experience—including promotions with Blackpool and Dundee—he revitalised the team, steering them to safety by season’s end.

Bowyer’s leadership was much needed as he steadied the ship after the turmoil of having three permanent managers within a calendar year.

Burton Albion Legends

John Brayford (2006-08, 2016, 2017-24)

He made a significant impact at Burton Albion, amassing over 380 appearances across three spells with the club.

Initially debuting in 2006, he returned permanently in 2017, becoming club captain and a fan favourite. A dependable defender, he contributed 28 goals during his time with the Brewers.

His leadership and consistency were pivotal in Burton’s rise through the leagues, and he was twice named both Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season.

Damien McCrory (2012-19)

Damien made a significant impact at Burton Albion, amassing over 220 appearances and scoring 10 goals.

As a dependable left-back, he played a pivotal role in Burton’s rise through the leagues, contributing to their League Two title win in 2014–15 and subsequent promotion to the Championship.

Lucas Akins (2014-22)

He made close to 350 appearances for Burton Albion and scored over 70 goals.

He played a pivotal role in Burton’s 2014–15 League Two title win and their subsequent promotion to the Championship. Notably, Akins scored the decisive goal in Burton’s first-ever League One match and achieved his first career hat-trick in April 2016.

Shaun Harrad (2005-11)

He made close to 200 appearances as a Brewer, scoring 68 times.

He was instrumental in the club’s 2008–09 Conference National title win, contributing 15 league goals that season and went on to score 21 times during the club’s first season in the Football League.

His performances were crucial in establishing Burton Albion’s presence in the Football League.

Jacques Maghoma (2009-13)

He represented the Brewers 172 times and scored 32 goals.

His standout 2012–13 season saw him net 18 goals in 50 games, earning him a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year and Burton’s Players’ Player of the Season award. Maghoma also became the club’s first international, representing DR Congo in 2010.

Greg Pearson (2008-12) 

Greg significantly impacted Burton Albion between 2008 and 2012, scoring 37 goals in 138 appearances.

He was instrumental in the club’s 2008–09 Conference Premier title win, netting 18 league goals. Pearson made history by scoring Burton’s first Football League goal and hat-trick. His consistent performances were vital in establishing Burton’s presence in the Football League.

Burton Albion Team Metrics & Performance

In the 2024–25 season, Burton Albion finished 20th in League One, narrowly avoiding relegation by one point. They recorded 11 wins, 14 draws, and 21 losses, scoring 49 goals and conceding 66, resulting in a goal difference of -17. Rumarn Burrell was the club’s top scorer with 11 goals.

Historically, Burton Albion achieved back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship between 2014 and 2016. However, recent seasons have seen the club striving to maintain its League One status.

Looking ahead, the club aims to stabilise its position in League One, with hopes of a mid-table finish in the upcoming season. The focus will likely be on strengthening the squad and building on the resilience shown in the latter part of the 2024–25 campaign.

Watch Burton Albion’s Latest Highlights

Burton Albion Pitch & Amenities

Opened in July 2005, the Pirelli Stadium is Burton Albion’s modern home, replacing Eton Park. Built on land donated by Pirelli UK Tyres Ltd in exchange for naming rights, the stadium cost £7.2 million to construct.

With a capacity of 6,912, including 2,034 seats in the South Stand, it features three steep, covered terraces that enhance the matchday atmosphere.

The stadium has hosted notable matches, including England youth internationals and a record attendance of 6,746 against Derby County in 2016.

Beyond football, it serves as a community hub, housing club offices, conference facilities, and fan amenities, reflecting its significance to both the club and the local area.

Burton Albion Fan Base & Support

Burton Albion’s supporters, affectionately known as “The Brewers” or “The Yellow and Black Army,” are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and community spirit.

Despite the club’s modest size, fans consistently fill the Pirelli Stadium, creating a vibrant atmosphere on matchdays. Organised groups like the Burton Albion Supporters Group foster engagement through events and discussions.

The club’s Fan Advisory Board, comprising fans and club officials, exemplifies its commitment to supporter involvement in decision-making processes.

This deep-rooted connection between the club and its fans underscores Burton Albion’s identity as a community-centric football club.

Burton Albion Rivalries & Notable Matches

Burton Albion’s rivals include Derby County, Mansfield Town and Port Vale.

Burton has faced Derby County in eight competitive encounters since 2016, with Burton winning on just two occasions.

The most recent clash in January 2024 saw Burton travel to Pride Park and go down by three goals to two. The Brewers had been two down before pulling level only for Conor Hourihane to snatch all three points for the Rams in the 93rd minute.

Mansfield Town have met Burton just five times in league action since 2013 and have failed to beat the Pirelli Stadium outfit.

The last outing ended 1-1 in March of 2025 as Burton continued their charge towards League One safety.

The Brewers and Port Vale have met 16 times in competitive action since 2010 and the Valiants are currently on top with seven wins to Albion’s five.

A memorable match was Burton’s 3–2 away victory on 19 September 2023.

Burton Albion Facts

Burton Albion History

Founded in 1950, Burton Albion emerged as a cornerstone of East Staffordshire’s football identity. Nicknamed ‘The Brewers’ in tribute to the town’s rich brewing heritage, the club began life in non-league football, playing at Eton Park before moving to the modern Pirelli Stadium in 2005.

A hugely influential figure in the club’s development was long-serving manager Nigel Clough, whose multiple tenures brought stability, identity, and ambition.

The early decades saw modest progress, but Burton rose to national prominence in the 2000s under Clough. In 2008–09, they won the Conference Premier, securing Football League status.

By 2015, under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, they achieved promotion to League One, followed by a historic rise to the Championship in 2016—marking the club’s peak achievement.

Despite relegation after two seasons, the Brewers had fought against the odds to be in the Championship and continue to ‘punch above their weight’.

Community is central to Burton Albion’s identity. Through the Burton Albion Community Trust, the club delivers health, education, and outreach programs across Staffordshire, reinforcing its role beyond the pitch. The club also engages fans through advisory boards and inclusive initiatives, cultivating strong local bonds.

Recent seasons have presented challenges. The club narrowly avoided relegation from League One in 2024–25, prompting the appointment of Gary Bowyer, who steered them to safety with a pragmatic, resilient style.

Burton Albion Social Media Links

Stay up to date by following The Brewers on X @burtonalbionfc and by visiting the club’s official website www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk.

Burton Albion Outlook & Forecast

Burton Albion will go into the 2025–26 League One season aiming to build on last season’s narrow escape from relegation. Under manager Gary Bowyer, the club rescued themselves from a seemingly impossible position and will hope Bowyer can continue their upturned fortunes.

The Brewers have strengthened their attacking options by securing Fábio Tavares from Coventry City on a free transfer, following his loan spell. Additionally, left-back Dylan Williams has joined permanently from Chelsea, adding depth to the defence.

The club has also promoted academy talents Josh Taroni and Jack Newall to the first team, reflecting a commitment to nurturing homegrown players.

Key departures include centre-back Ryan Sweeney, who has signed with Mansfield Town. Other players released include Mason Bennett, Anthony Forde, and Jack Stretton, indicating a significant squad reshuffle.

Bowyer’s strategy emphasizes defensive solidity and efficient counter-attacks. The integration of new signings and academy graduates aims to create a balanced squad capable of competing effectively in League One.

With these changes, Burton Albion aspires to avoid another relegation battle and target a mid-table finish. The blend of experienced signings and emerging talent provides a foundation for potential success in the upcoming season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burton Albion

How much would it cost to buy Burton Albion Football Club?

As of the latest financial reports, Burton Albion’s net worth stands at approximately £4.3 million, with total assets valued at £8 million and liabilities around £3.6 million. These figures suggest that the club’s market valuation likely falls within the £4–5 million range.

Who owns Burton Albion Football Club?

As of May 2025, Burton Albion Football Club is owned by the Nordic Football Group (NFG), a consortium of investors from the Nordic countries.

The group acquired the club in June 2024, following the sale of the majority stake by long-serving chairman Ben Robinson, who had been at the helm for over 40 years. Robinson now serves as Honorary Chairman, maintaining an advisory role within the club.

Where is Burton Albion football ground?

Burton Albion Football Club plays its home matches at the Pirelli Stadium, located on Princess Way in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, England. The stadium’s postcode is DE13 0AR.

Is Burton Albion being sold?

Burton Albion Football Club is not currently for sale. The club underwent a significant ownership change in June 2024 when long-serving chairman Ben Robinson sold his majority stake to the Nordic Football Group (NFG), a consortium of investors from Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland.

The acquisition was finalised following approval from the English Football League.

Is Burton Albion a big club?

Burton Albion Football Club is not traditionally considered a “big club” in English football. Founded in 1950, the club has primarily competed in the lower tiers of the English football league system.

Their home ground, the Pirelli Stadium, has a capacity of 6,912, reflecting their status as a smaller club within League One, the third tier of English football.

Where to watch Burton Albion Football Club

As of the 2024/25 season, Burton Albion matches are primarily available to watch live in the UK through Sky Sports and its streaming platform, Sky Sports+.

This change follows a significant broadcasting agreement between the English Football League (EFL) and Sky Sports, which has replaced the iFollow service for domestic viewers.

1. Match Highlights
   • ITV broadcasts highlights of EFL matches, including those from League One. These are typically available on ITV4 and repeated on ITV1.
2. iFollow Service
   • The iFollow platform no longer offers live video streaming of EFL matches in the UK and Ireland. However, it continues to provide live audio commentary for Burton Albion games.

For the most up-to-date information on Burton Albion’s match schedules and broadcasting details, you can visit their official website: Burton Albion FC.