Trouble Brewing

Nobes on the perils of inactivity as bizarre circumstances see Burton Albion drop into the League Two relegation zone.

Paul Peschisolido's Burton will be playing catch-up for the remainder of the season

It sounds like the kind of mystery usually reserved for Jonathan Creek. Six points above the drop zone after 21 games, how can Burton Albion now find themselves a point adrift of safety just one match later?

Of course, it's a conundrum which can be explained without the aid of the fictional magician's assistant - while opponents have been playing, Albion haven't.

The Brewers sit second bottom of the entire Football League having collected 25 points from their 22 matches. However, they possess as many as seven games in hand over most of their League Two opponents.

That includes the side immediately above them, Barnet, whose weekend draw at Northampton dropped the Staffordshire outfit into the relegation zone for the first time in their history.

It has given the bottom of League Two an almost farcical look to it, with bottom club Stockport having played eight more games than Burton. Indeed, should the Brewers actually win all of their games in hand, they would move above Gillingham in 6th place.

Of course, the likelihood of that actually occurring is slim, but if the league table doesn't lie after 46 games, than it is certainly painting an inaccurate picture at the beginning of February.

True, Burton have found life a little tougher in their second season in the 92, particularly struggling for form on the road, including a 3-0 defeat to Shrewsbury in their last outing.

It led to Peschisolido firing a warning that, games in hand or not, Albion may well find themselves in a relegation battle that nobody could have envisaged.

After his relatively comfortable introduction to management last term, it promises to be a big challenge for the Canadian in his embryonic career.

However, it is hard not to feel sympathetic with him for the seemingly false position Burton are in though.

Part of it can be explained by their historic run to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup, where they saw off Championship side Middlesbrough 2-1 at the Pirelli Stadium in going the furthest they've ever been in the competition.

Their Cup odyssey came to an end at the hands of Burnley last month, however, it also saw them lose out on two Saturdays that, otherwise, would have featured league fixtures.

The wintry weather over the past couple of months saw games against Torquay, Accrington, Northampton, Stevenage and Bradford called off.

The tragic death of Macclesfield midfielder, Richard Butcher, also saw their game against Albion postponed in respect.

Finally, Saturday's game at Gigg Lane against Bury was called off because of a waterlogged pitch, ensuring the Brewers have played just four league games in eight weeks.

Hero against Middlesbrough, Burton will have to do without Shaun Harrad's goals

A quick glance at their remaining schedule is enough to send a shiver down the spine of everyone at the club - as well as praying that no more games fall victim to the weather.

Burton are due to play nine matches in March and a further eight in April as they desperately try and squeeze in their remaining 24 games over the last 13 weeks of the campaign - starting this Friday against League Two leaders Chesterfield.

It means plenty of Tuesday evening kick offs and, for the fans, long midweek trips to the likes of Devon and Buckinghamshire as they follow their club's fight against the drop.

Such a schedule would test even Premier League teams, but for a club with limited resources, Burton's squad will be stretched to the maximum as they seek to make it three years in the Football League on the spin.

They were also dealt a blow by the January sale of top scorer Shaun Harrad, whose 13 goals this term had been crucial. His move to Northampton leaves the boss needing to replace a reliable source of goals.

While it's easy to feel sorry for Burton though, they cannot afford to do the same themselves. For a combination of reasons they lie in the relegation zone and must now prove that, when actually given the chance to play, they are better than their current position.

Peschisolido has, rightly, pointed to his team's vastly superior goal difference, currently -1, compared to the sides around him. However, it is the points column which will be the most telling.

There is also an argument to be made that, when towards the bottom, it is always preferable to have points on the board than games in hand. Having matches to play is no consolation when you're not in any kind of form to make use of them.

Indeed, Burton's scenario is reminiscent of the situation Shrewsbury Town found themselves in the 2002/3 campaign. Kevin Ratcliffe's side had similarly done well in the FA Cup and also progressed to the LDV Vans Trophy regional final.

At the beginning of March, Salop sat seven points clear of the bottom two with 15 games remaining. However, as sides below them began to win matches, Town's congested run-in began to take its toll.

Nine defeats in ten games saw them relegated before the final day of the season - and they ended the campaign bottom of the table eight points off safety.

Their games in hand had counted for nothing and they had lost a relegation battle brought about due to their own inactivity in the league - albeit helped by a woeful defensive record.

It must provide the warning for Burton and Peschisolido ahead of their frenetic run-in to the season.

The side from the Pirelli must get the wheels back on their season quickly, and ensure that, come May, the current table was simply an illusion, something else Mr Creek knows all about.

Big Match Review - Burton 1 Crewe 1

Burton Albion 1-1 Crewe Alexandra

Saturday September 18, Pirelli Stadium, (Att: 3,093)

It was honours even at the Pirelli Stadium as Burton Albion and Crewe Alexandra continued their solid starts to the season with a draw.

The Brewers were the brighter of the two sides early on and after, John McGrath forced Rhys Evans into a save, Richard Walker missed an easy chance from close range to put the hosts ahead.

Alex were then denied a goal by the linesman's flag after a free-kick had been headed in by Joel Grant from an offside position.

It was the home side who opened the scoring in fine style just before the break though.

Sloppy play in the Crewe midfield saw Jacques Maghoma unleashed to run at goal before sending an unstoppable drive high into the net from outside the box.

Paul Peschisolido's side were now on course for a third straight home win of the campaign, but the visitors stepped things up in the second half and Luke Murphy found a leveller just after the hour mark.

When Albion failed to clear a high cross from Clayton Donaldson, Murphy latched onto the ball and whipped a low shot in off the far post of Adam Legzdins's goal.

Both sides pressed in vain for a winner, but ultimately a point was enough to move Burton into the top seven, with Crewe hot on their heels in 9th.

Big Match Preview

Burton Albion vs. Crewe Alexandra

Saturday September 18, 15:00, Pirelli Stadium

Two sides who've made an encouraging start to the new season meet in Staffordshire this weekend as Burton Albion host Crewe Alexandra.

Both teams currently sit just outside the play off places in League Two after the opening half a dozen games.

Their current form also suggests that those in attendance at the Pirelli Stadium should be able to look forward to two sides who know how to find the back of the net.

Indeed, the Railwaymen are the top scorers in the division, with 14 goals already bagged in their six matches. Half of those were accrued in just one game, too, a 7-0 demolition of Barnet at Gresty Road.

Alex, with their veteran manager Dario Gradi back at the helm, also saw off Bury 3-0 last weekend in a performance of attacking and footballing verve that was their trademark for so many years under his stewardship.

They will hope to continue that form on Saturday as they go in seek of a first away victory of the campaign. So far a loss at Cheltenham has been accompanied by draws against Lincoln and new boys Stevenage.

Shaun Miller, with four goals to his name, has enjoyed a profitable start to the season up front for Crewe. He's joined by former York man Clayton Donaldson, who has bagged himself a couple of goals.

Summer signing from Morecambe, defender Dave Artell, has also scored two for his new side, and is a threat from set pieces.

Paul Peschisolido is in his second season in charge at Burton Albion

It's something Burton will need to be aware of as the home team look to maintain their unbeaten home record so far this season.

The Brewers have already beaten Morecambe and Hereford on home soil, scoring three goals on both occasions. They were also held to an opening day 0-0 stalemate against Oxford.

They also drew last weekend, but in contrasting style. After finding themselves 3-0 down at the break away at Rotherham, Paul Peschisolido's men engineered a stunning comeback in the second period to level matters 3-3.

Instrumental to that fightback was striker Shaun Harrad - who grabbed a hat trick to take his tally for the season to six goals in all competitions.

His partnership up front with Greg Pearson will once again be key to Albion - now in their second season as a Football League club.

This should be a highly entertaining game, with two sides who like to play good football and approach matches with the intention of going for the win.

Both sides should be full of confidence, too. Home advantage might just swing it the Brewers way though as they continue their fine start to the season.

Nobes' Prediction: Burton Albion 2 Crewe Alexandra 1

Against All Odds

Paul Peschisolido's Burton are surprise challengers for the League Two play-offs

It's all too easy, especially within the media, to focus on the negative. It's no different in football where those who underachieve, the fallen giant, and the surprise struggler always tend to make the headlines.

As means of explanation the one factor often ignored in certain sides underachieving is simply that other teams are doing the exact opposite - punching above their weight.

Could it simply be that said surprise struggler is not doing so well not because of anything they're doing wrong, but that other smaller, less fancier teams are maximising their resources better.

However, in a game that is fast becoming more predictable at all levels because of the influence of money, it's refreshing to still see that sides are showing it takes more than the size of your budget to succeed.

This season, that particular achievement is no more evident that in League Two. The clutch of clubs lying just outside the play-off places include the unfashionable names of Accrington Stanley, Burton, Aldershot, and Morecambe.

For all four sides to be in a position where a top seven spot is perfectly attainable is a tribute to their respective managers and players, all of who have confounded the critics to challenge.

The quartet all attract attendances in the bottom third of their division - regularly getting crowds worse than struggling sides like Grimsby, Cheltenham, and Lincoln.

Therefore, with matchday revenue often being the largest source of income for lower division sides, it is a sign of just how much these sides are overachieving.

For Stanley, their challenge has been even more remarkable. The Lancashire club came perilously close to going out of business earlier in the season due to financial problems.

Their success is testament to the solid foundations laid by long-serving boss John Coleman. He has forged a close-knit group of hard-working professionals playing good football who have also enjoyed success in cup competitions this season.

It is almost unthinkable to envisage a side attracting 2,000 fans to home matches to be playing in the third tier of English football next season. However, it is also a distinct possibility.

As is Burton Albion achieving back-to-back promotions. Some pundits expected the Brewers to be the first side to suffer instant relegation back to the Conference following promotion last season.

The stuttering way they had finished the previous campaign, allied with the appointment of the rookie Paul Peschisolido as manager didn't seem to bode well for the Staffordshire outfit.

However, their committment to playing attractive, attacking football has won them as many points as it has admirers. For a side who were promoted without any momentum, their challenge has been a surprise success story.

Another side who finished last season poorly were Aldershot Town. The Shots were another side expected to struggle in their second season back in League Two.

Their impressive start was unexpected, so to sustain it despite losing influential manager Gary Waddock to Wycombe in the autumn is credit to the players at the Recreation Ground.

Like Burton, they too endeavour to play the game the right way and entertain their supporters.

Indeed, not only is the myth of succeeding without money being challenged, but those who believe the basement division is no more than the 'kick and rush' style are seriously misguided.

The Hampshire side are now under the management of Kevin Dillon, and the former assistant to Steve Coppell at Reading has maintained Town's solid home form to keep them in top seven contention.

Morecambe have once again impressed under Sammy McIlroy's tutelage

Perhaps the highest praise that can be offered to the final member of the four teams - Morecambe - is that not many people are surprised to see them punching above their weight to challenge.

The Shrimps are only in their third season in the Football League, yet have already shown that, despite not having huge riches, it is a step-up in status they are entirely comfortable with.

The vastly experienced Sammy McIlroy has worked smartly in the permanent transfer and loan market to build a strong side capable of playing good football but also in dealing with the physical nature of the division.

The progressive Lancashire club plan to move into a new stadium next term - a sign that League Two is not the height of their ambition.

The current side taking to the Christie Park pitch might realise those dreams come the end of the season.

Such success also helps fuel the dreams and hopes of other smaller clubs. After all, the four clubs were in Non League football just a few seasons ago.

Not does does it suggest that the gap between League Two and the Conference is narrowing, but that other sides can have a similar impact in the future.

It is the kind of inspiration promotion challengers such as Kettering and Stevenage - clubs who have never played in the Football League before - can draw upon.

In fact, whether any of the four overachievers make the top seven this season or not, it is the kind of upsetting of the apple cart that keeps the dream alive for all fans outside the top flight. Money does indeed talk, but not always the loudest.

Nobes.

Big Match Review

League Two

Shrewsbury Town 3-1 Burton Albion (Att: 6348)
Saturday August 8, 15:00, The New Meadow

Burton's debut in the Football League turned into a bit of damp squib, as the Brewers fell to defeat to Shrewsbury. 2-0 down after 50 minutes, a Greg Pearson strike gave the newboys hope before a mistake by keeper Shane Redmond sealed the points for the home side.

Redmond could have done better for the first goal too. Just 10 minutes were on the clock when Town debutant Jake Robinson latched onto a pass from Dean Holden and somehow finished from a narrow angle past the Albion custodian.

He soon redeemed himself though, with a fine save from Dave Hibbert's header to stop the Shrews doubling their advantage. However, he was powerless when the same player powered home Kevin McIntyre's left wing cross at the beginning of the second half to make it 2-0.

Burton rallied, and midway through the second half, substitute Pearson's deflected shot looped over Town keeper Chris Neal and into the net for the visitor's first goal in the Football League.

However, the comeback was to prove shortlived. Joss Ladabie's free-kick caught out Redmond, who could only push the ball off the post and into his own net to seal the points for Paul Simpson's men.

A disappointing result then for the Brewers and the 1000 or so fans who travelled from Staffordshire. However, they'll now be well aware of the unforgiving nature of the Football League, and Burton must cut out the mistakes if they're to successfully make the step-up this season.

Nobes.

Big Match Preview

League Two

Shrewsbury Town vs. Burton Albion
Saturday August 8, 15:00, The New Meadow

With just 59 years of history behind them, Burton Albion are used to feeling like the new boys. However, when they step out to face Shrewsbury on Saturday, the Staffordshire club really will be, as they make their debut appearance in the Football League.

For chairman Ben Robinson and the Brewers fans, it's the culmination of a long-held dream to bring professional football to this part of the West Midlands. Of course, the architect on the pitch, Nigel Clough, left to join Derby before Albion cemented promotion as Conference Champions in April.

And indeed, it was Clough's departure which signalled a downturn in fortunes that saw a once mammoth 18-point lead at the top of the table reduced to just three on the final day. Had Cambridge United managed to beat Altrincham, and scored a few on route, Burton probably wouldn't be here.

As it is, the U's didn't, and it is the team from the Pirelli Stadium who begin their first campaign as a full-time club as part of English football's elite 92. However, after such a collapse in the second half of last season, they won't be approaching the new season with any kind of the momentum usually associated with promoted teams.

It makes the step into the unknown all the more difficult for new boss Paul Peschisolido. The former Derby, Birmingham, and Sheffield United striker (amongst others) is taking his first steps into management with Burton, and is the first Canadian to manage in the Football League.

He's looked to experience to strengthen his side over the summer - the likes of Marc Edworthy, Paul Boertien, and Richard Walker have all joined the Albion ranks. A tough first season is predicted, and it all starts this weekend.

Burton begin their Football League journey in Shropshire

Their opponents are Shrewsbury Town. Salop, under the guidance of former Preston boss Paul Simpson, lost in the play-off final to Gillingham last season. Over the summer they've also lost key striker Grant Holt to Norwich, and the likes of full back Darren Moss and midfielder Ben Davies have also left for pastures new.

However, Simpson has money to strengthen, and has already brought in Brentford forward Nathan Elder this past week. More signings are likely to be brought into the Shropshire outfit before the transfer windows shuts at the end of the month.

Even with the weakening of the Town squad though, Burton have a tough assignment on their hands. Shrewsbury enjoyed the best home record in League Two last season, and the New Meadow is a difficult place for sides to go and pick up a result.

However, perhaps Burton's best chance is to catch the home side cold on the opening day. There will be a large following for the visitors, and you imagine the players will be energised on the club's big day to ensure they at least get a point.

Conference winners tend to at least get something from their Football League debut, and I forsee Burton will pick up a useful point at Shrewsbury as they begin the next chapter in their history.

Nobes' Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 1 Burton Albion 1

Getting Excited

Day One of the Football League.

In any normal season, I would be excited by the year to come. What's not to love? Another exciting Football League campaign that will show the Premier League what real football is all about.

And then you've the intense battle for clubs to escape the Non-League pyramid and pass through the Golden Gates into League Two.

It's enough to make your mouth water — and that's before you have even mentioned that former Leicester City defender Matt Elliott is in charge of Oadby Town!

But for me, this year has been taken to a new level. For the first time since the disastrous David Platt era - great player, truly abysmal manager - Nottingham Forest have dug deep into their pockets and come up with a large amount of the cash for the controversial Billy Davies to spend.

Over £5 million has been spent this summer, with experienced players such as Dele Adebola coming in at the same time as the young and exuberant Chris Gunter and Paul Anderson.

This is the first time in a long time that I have been genuinely excited about the prospects of the season ahead. But it doesn't stop there for my excite-o-meter - not by a long shot.

Take Newcastle United. It is going to be nigh on impossible to go throughout the season without someone mentioning this hilarious club.

Now, I have had a soft spot for the Magpies ever since Kevin Keegan completely lost it when talking about Fergie. Then he further endeared himself to me when he was seen to be slumped over an advertising hoarding after losing in a dramatic game against Liverpool.

Finally, and this needs to be emphasised a little bit, the fact I love most about him is that beautiful haircut! It is truly delicious.

But on a more serious note, Newcastle are a big club. They may not be as big as some of their fans would like to think, but still. The Championship is such a tight league these days that it is going to very interesting to see how a club that appears to be in turmoil is going to cope.

It's a club full of players who want to leave the club because they would much rather travel to Munich than Scunthorpe.

I've predicted them to finish towards the top half of the table, but the thrill of the Championship is that anyone could legitimately finish anywhere.

I'm currently sitting in here in a puddle of something warm. I'm not sure I can get more excited.

I feel like I've just found my first ever porn mag and am amazed by the wonders that lay within its shiny cover. This season's centrefold is Burton Albion (right).

The Brewers are joining the Football League family for the first time in their history.

Now I know a lot of people would rather have kept Luton Town rather than allow these young upstarts who fell over the finishing line to secure promotion, but I for one am delighted that they have made the step up.

My only problem was that the man who had done a lot of the hard work to get them there wasn't the man who was in charge when they finally got promoted.

Nigel Clough spent ten years at Eton Park and the Pirelli Stadium. Only once did he fail to improve on the previous year. He also guided them to a profitable FA Cup clash with Manchester United.

All of this was done at his own pace, with the support of the chairman and fans, and it was a real shame that he left before he could say that he took Burton to the Football League.

Now the Brewers have a new manager at the helm. A very new and shiny manager. Paul Peschisolido is taking his first steps into football management after spending a zillion years as a player.

The Canadian has been around the block and seems to be genuinely excited about the season ahead. Is he ready? Are Burton ready?

I think that Burton are going to have long season ahead of them and will find the Football League a struggle. Will they get relegated? No.

They have turned professional for the new season for the first time in their history - expect the words first/debut to be used a lot in Burton articles - and have brought in some solid players.

I think that Pesch will be able to instil a solid team spirit that will help them stay up. That, and the fact I think that Grimsby, Torquay, and Barnet are all a bit rubbish.

So, as I go the bathroom to tidy myself up, I'll leave you to ponder and muse over what the season holds for us. Will it be a good year for your club? Probably not. Will it be exciting? Definitely. And that is a Soccer AM/MW guarantee.

Turls.

Image - Yes, we had every reason to use it. If you'd just stopped staring, put it away, and continued reading, you'd have seen why.