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Saturday 19th August 2000

Ready for action...  
 

Eton Park on the eve of the new season...

Nigel Clough added the finishing touch to his preparations for the new season by completing the signing of Darren Wassall on a two-year contract.

Wassall has been a key member of the side in the pre-season friendlies, and his joining the Brewers on a permanent basis will come as no surprise. Former Derby County defender Wassall, 31, has been released from his contract with Nationwide Division One Birmingham City, and will make his Albion league debut at Newport County today (3pm) as the eagerly awaited 2000-2001 campaign finally gets underway.

Clough told the Burton Mail: "We are absolutely delighted to have him as he brings a lot of experience and a great deal of will to win. He has been at the club for a few weeks now and has been excellent in the few games he has played. I believe he could have gone to a Conference club but he is hoping to be there with us in 12 months time.

"He played alongside Kavanagh at Derby and that was a major factor in him signing for us. In them we have two quality players and we have now got options at the back. At times on our trips away from home last season we didn't defend too well and hopefully they will help the younger lads like Terry Henshaw develop."

Wassall's signing effectively ends popular defender Danny George's chances of a first team place, and George has gone on loan to Dr. Martens Western Division Hinckley United.

Albion's pre-season campaign concluded on Monday evening with a 1-1 draw at Rocester. Anton Thomas put the Brewers ahead on 35 minutes, but the Romans responded through Andy Bott, and went on to win 3-0 on penalties.

Non-League on the Net has a comprehensive preview to the Dr. Martens League season - click here to view it...

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Monday 14th August 2000

Brewers sink champions
 

Dale Anderson watches the ball curl past Boston 'keeper Paul Bastock for Albion's second in Saturday's Dr. Martens Championship Match at York Street  Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

The Brewers further enhanced their standing as favourites for the Dr. Martens League title, with a convincing 4-0 victory over current champions Boston United at York Street on Saturday.
 

Albion, missing players of such quality as Jason Kavanagh, Neil Glasser and Christian Moore, weathered early pressure from Steve Evans's side, grabbed the lead from the penalty spot just before half time and stunned their hosts with three quality goals in the second half. Boston had rattled the woodwork, and made Brewers 'keeper Nick Goodwin sweat in the sweltering August sunshine, but worked their way back into the game, and took the lead through Aaron Webster's spot kick two minutes before the break after Dale Anderson was hauled down in the box.

Scorer Anton Thomas (centre left) celebrates scoring the Brewers third goal with provider Pat Lyons  Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

Anderson himself doubled his side's advantage five minutes after the restart, latching onto Phil Starbuck's through ball before cutting inside his markers to curl home a beauty.

And even the home fans in an 895 crowd had to applaud the Brewers' third effort, on 74 minutes. Pat Lyons swung a ball in from the left and substitute Anton Thomas crashed home a fine volley from 10 yards. Scorer turned provider two minutes later when Thomas, on the same side of the pitch, kept his head well under pressure to square the ball across for David Holmes to sidefoot home.
 

While no one's going to get carried away by a pre-season friendly, the Brewers' performance should go a long way to easing supporters' fears, after a relatively quiet close season in the transfer market. Improved performances from the likes of Anton Thomas, who few thought would still be at Eton Park on the eve of the new season, and the rising star Aaron Webster , not to mention what is effectively a new signing in the returning Phil Starbuck, make Clough's squad seem a lot stronger than it may have seemed a month or two ago, a point Clough himself made after the Boston game:

David Holmes sidefoots in the Brewers fourth goal  Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

"I know people are concerned that we have not signed more players," said Clough in the Burton Mail, "But beating a Boston side close to their first team shows what a strong squad we have and hopefully it will give us confidence. There was not a bad player on the pitch on Saturday and it is a nice headache to have when everyone is playing well."

The only minus point to come out of the trip to York Street was the second half withdrawal of Mark Blount, who has a minor hamstring injury. Blount was however expected to be fit when the Dr. Martens League season gets underway at Newport County on Saturday (3pm), with Jason Kavanagh and Christian Moore the only serious doubts for the trip to South Wales. Neil Glasser, who missed Saturday's game after picking up a knock, was set to be given a run-out alongside mainly second string players, in tonight's final pre-season match, at Rocester.

You can see a video clip of Dale Anderson's goal on Saturday at Ken Fox's excellent Boston United site...
 

The Brewers squad celebrates winning the Dr. Martens Championship Match trophy (left), held by skipper Darren Stride in now familiar pose (right)  Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

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Friday 11th August 2000

New season looming
 

An early Brewers attack in Tuesday night's friendly at Hinckley United  Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

The Brewers ' pre-season campaign reaches a climax tomorrow (Saturday) with the trip to Boston United in the Dr. Martens League shield.

Albion have one remaining pre-season game after the visit to York Street, when they play Rocester on Monday, but it's Saturday's game which will give the best indication of what we can expect for the new season.

Albion will be keen to avenge their 3-1 defeat at York Street in December, but Nigel Clough's preparations have been hampered by injuries to two of Clough's possible first choice forwards, Aaron Webster and Christian Moore, both of whom have picked up injuries in the Brewers' most recent pre-season friendlies, Webster in Monday's 2-2 draw against Gresley at the Moat Ground, and Moore in Tuesday's trip to Hinckley United, a match which ended in the same scoreline.

The injury crisis could spell a surprise return for Anton Thomas, who turned in an energetic preformance, and equalized for the Brewers after Paul Hunter had volleyed the home side ahead in Tuesday's match. John Allcock made it 2-1 to Hinckley, but Terry Henshaw restored parity for the Brewers just past the hour mark.

The Brewers' lined up at Hinckley with mainly fringe players, but was significant for the return of midfielder Craig Dean, as he attempts to rebuild his stillborn Eton Park career after fighting back from injury.

News of the Boston game here on BrewersNet on Monday...

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Tuesday 8th August 2000

Honours even at Moat
 

Mark Blount (No 5) heads the Brewers into the lead in last night's 2-2 draw with Gresley at the Moat Ground  Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

The Brewers made the short trip to South Derbyshire last night as the pre-season campaign continued with a 'friendly' against old adversaries Gresley Rovers at the Moat Ground.

Albion gave a run out to 19-year old triallist Carl Bacon at right back, Micky Forsyth rejoined the defence, Phil Starbuck was handed a midfield berth as was Gary Crosby, and Aaron Webster started along with Andy Garner up front.

The Moatmen spurned a flurry of early chances, and their No. 10 in particular could have had a hat-trick by half-time, but it was the Brewers who took the lead on 12 minutes, a perfect cross in from Webster being powerfully headed home by former Moatman Mark Blount (see picture).

Pre-season games are often chosen to try out changes in the laws of the game, and the referee decided to use this match to unveil an innovation of his own - the 'voluntary sending-off'. Gresley 'keeper Ian Wright, having raced out of his area to clatter into the onrushing Aaron Webster, was advised by the ref to 'get yourself substituted', which he promptly did, trotting sheepishly to the bench to be replaced by sub 'keeper Baldwin.

Unfortunately, Gresley's No. 17 wasn't quite as willing to comply when offered the same advice by the official in the second half, and got a yellow card for his trouble!
 

Gresley levelled the scores on 35 minutes, when substitute Mick Sandar, who'd only been on the pitch for two minutes, took advantage of slack defending by the Brewers to shoot home from 22 yards. Worst was to follow in the second half, when, just past the hour mark Alan Davies handled inside the box, and Mark Peters confidently struck home the resulting penalty past Goodwin.

Andy Garner almost scores on his old stomping ground - this sliding effort in the first half went just wide  Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

As the game meandered towards a climax, the increasingly impressive Aaron Webster was replaced by Dale Anderson, and that substitution bore fruit 10 minutes from the end when the Brewers frontman picked the ball up outside the Gresley box, jinked past the defenders and slotted home the equalizer.

Those members of Albion's first team squad absent last night, such as Henshaw, Glasser and Moore, are likely to get a run-out in tonight's (Tuesday) friendly at Hinckley United, where they may be joined by Craig Dean, who has surprisingly returned to the Brewers ranks after taking a coaching job in America.

Dean cost Albion £2,000 from Atherstone United last summer, but a knee injury sustained in pre-season meant he never played in competitive game for the Brewers. After a spell playing in Norway, Dean wants the chance to prove his fitness and is likely to figure in tonight's match at Middlefield Lane.

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Wednesday 2nd August 2000

A win, a draw and a new signing
 

Nigel CLough sees his shot go just wide in Monday night's 3-0 victory over Stoke City at Rocester   Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

Nigel Clough introduced a new signing into the ranks for last night's (Tuesday) pre-season friendly visit to Shepshed Dynamo.

Young midfielder Liam Walshe, who has joined the Brewers from neighbours Gresley Rovers, went straight into the team in a game which ended in a 1-1 draw, Dale Anderson striking home the Brewers goal from the penalty spot (see picture at foot of page).
 

The game saw Albion lining up with mostly second string players, but did give the opportunity of a first glimpse of the close season of David Holmes, back in the side following injury, and playing in an unfamiliar position in defence, alongside Alan Davies. New boy Walshe (pictured right) was originally sought out by the Brewers a year ago, but opted to stay at the Moat Ground. Manager Clough told the Burton Mail: "We first spoke to Liam a year ago but at the time he wanted first team football and that was something we were unable to offer him." "But now, through his father, he's come back to us and said he's prepared to start in our reserves and see if he can work his way into the senior side." The Brewers' Bass Charity Vase campaign ended on a high on Monday night, with a 3-0 defeat of a young Stoke City side at Rocester. All the goals came in the second half, Aaron Webster opening the floodgates on 48 minutes, firing home from close range after latching onto Christian Moore's pass. Soon after, Webster turned provider with a cross volleyed home by Darren Stride, and then on 68 minutes Phil Starbuck scored his first goal since beginning his injury-plagued Albion career. Cloughie professed himself happy with Albion's pre-season progress, saying: "We are getting a little bit better with every game."

Brewers' new signing from Gresley Liam Walshe in action in last night's game at Shepshed    Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

Dale Anderson scores from the penalty spot at Shepshed    Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

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Sunday 30th July 2000

Platt-trick sinks Brewers
 

Action from the Brewers' Bass Charity Vase clash with Nottingham Forest on Thursday night   Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

Albion go into Monday night's Bass Charity Vase clash with Stoke City at Rocester, knowing that a place in the final is beyond them after Thursday night's 3-2 reversal to Nottingham Forest.

An Aaron Webster 'wonder goal' wasn't enough to keep the Brewers' Vase hopes alive, in an entertaining pre-season clash at Eton Park.

Webster launched Albion into a 2-1 lead with an astonishing lob from almost the half-way line, but his spectacular effort counted for nothing in the end as Forest player-manager David Platt completed a hat-trick with a stunner of his own.

Former England international Platt had given the visitors the lead with a rasping 25-yard effort six minutes into the second half, but the Brewers were back in the game four minutes later when Christian Moore converted from the penalty spot, after Forest defender Beckett Hollenbeck was penalised following a tussle with Dale Anderson, a dubious decision by all accounts.
 

Webster got his just rewards for another encouraging display with 'that' goal, reminiscent of such classic goals as David Beckham's against Wimbledon, or Nayim's against Arsenal. But the lead lasted only six minutes. Nick Goodwin fluffed his punch clear in a crowded area, and in the resulting melee, Darren Stride was adjudged to have fouled Stuart Maynard. Platt confidently struck home the spot kick, and soon after earned the deserved applause of the 600-odd crowd with a goal which had echoes of the one which made his name, for England against Belgium in Italia '90.

Phil Starbuck closes in on the Forest goal - the 'forgotten man' of Eton Park is hoping to stake his claim for a first team place, and made his first start since injury struck in March last year   Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

Hollenbeck's cross came in from the left, and Platt showed lightning reaction to fire home a right footed volley into the far corner.

A 3-2 victory for Forest earns them a place in Wednesday's Eton Park final against West Bromwich Albion, but a second pre-season defeat shouldn't dishearten the home fans too much. The Brewers stroked the ball around with confidence, and there were encouraging performances from the likes of Webster and Pat Lyons, as well as the likes of Darren Wassall.
 

Rumours continue to circulate too of more new signings in the pipeline, with the Brewers reportedly having put in another bid for Grantham Town goalkeeper Mario Ziccardi. Ziccardi, who has been on the books of Forest and Scunthorpe United in the past, joined Grantham from UniBond neighbours Lincoln United at the start of this year. According to some reports, the Brewers have already tabled several bids for the highly rated 'keeper, including a straight swap deal involving striker Anton Thomas, and an offer of £5,000, plus another £1,000 should Albion win promotion to the Conference. The latest bid is thought to be an increased cash offer, although some way short of Grantham's asking price.

Mario Ziccardi - transfer target  Pic: GTFC site

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Monday 24th July 2000

Island stalemate
 

Darren Stride's last minute effort is saved by Newport IoW 'keeper Colin Matthews, denying the Brewers victory in their latest pre-season encounter on the Isle of Wight on Saturday   Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

Albion were held to a 2-2 draw by Dr. Martens Eastern Division side Newport IoW, as the pre-season campaign continued on the Isle of Wight on Saturday.

A 20-yard lob from boss Nigel Clough brought the Brewers back into the game after Danny Gibbons had given the Islanders the lead on 17 minutes, but Christian Moore spurned the chance to take the lead soon after, when, after being brought down in the box, his penalty kick was saved.

Gibbons got a second to restore the lead of the home side, but substitute Dale Anderson earned a draw for the Brewers, who could have won had 'Port 'keeper Colin Matthews not denied Darren Stride from close range late on.

Albion are next in action on Thursday evening, when they begin their Bass Charity Vase campaign against Nottingham Forest at Eton Park.

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Tuesday 18th July 2000

Kidder too classy

The Brewers went down 4-1 to Football League new boys Kidderminster Harriers last night, as the build-up to 2000-2001 season commenced at Eton Park.

A crowd of 589 basked in the long overdue July sunshine, including some 50-60 Kiddy fans, and a certain John Barnes, who watched the match alongside Nigel Clough on the Albion bench, with Harriers boss Jan Molby completing the triumverate of former Liverpool players.

The Brewers gave a debut to new signing Jason Kavanagh, who lined up in midfield, with Terry Henshaw starting at left-back, in a side not too far removed from what would be Clough's first choice team, save for the absence of the manager himself, and striker Christian Moore, both of whom started on the bench.
 

The Brewers were stroking the ball around nicely in the first half, but there were few goalmouth incidents to wake up the crowd. Stuart Hadley rattled Nick Goodwin's crossbar with a rasping shot from the edge of the box, and Darren Stride had a similar effort tipped over. Albion started the second half with more purpose, but couldn't find the net despite a spell of pressure on the Kiddy goal.

Ex-Anfield trio at Monday's Kidderminster friendly (l-r) John Barnes, Kiddy manager Jan Molby and Brewers boss Nigel Clough   Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

Aaron Webster saw a header sail wide of the post, Darren Stride's rising volley sailed high, and Pat Lyons wasted a chance after being set-up by the Brewers skipper.

Then things started to go wrong. A Kiddy break on 54 minutes saw Tony Bird through to slot past Goodwin, and three minutes later the Kiddy striker had made it 2-0. Substitute Ian Foster made it three, and a scoreline which flattered the visitors somewhat looked to have been completed when Foster got his double five minutes from time, before substitute Andy Garner pulled back a consolation for the Brewers.
 

Garner was one of a plethora of Albion subs introduced midway through the second half, with perhaps the most surprising introduction being that of  the transfer-listed Anton Thomas, looking several pound lighter than the last time we saw him. Is the errant striker about to mount a dramatic fightback to try and get back into Cloughie's good books?

The referee explains the intricacies of the new 10-steps rule   Pic: © Ian Leech/ BAFC

One other incident of note was the first sighting of the new 10-step rule, Kiddy's wall being ordered back by the referee after failing to retreat at a free-kick (see picture).

So, not the best scoreline, but a useful work-out this for the Brewers, against a class side. Next stop the Isle of Wight, where Albion take on Dr. Martens Eastern Division Newport IoW this Saturday, 22nd July.

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Friday 14th July 2000

Brewers start away

Burton Albion kick off the 2000-2001 campaign on 19th August with a trip to South Wales to face Newport County, the fourth season running the Brewers have started with an away trip.

King's Lynn provide the opposition for the first home match of the new season the following Tuesday, followed by another home match against newly promoted Fisher Athletic, making their first visit to Eton Park since May 1992.

August Bank Holiday Monday sees the Brewers making an unusually early trip to the Lamb, for a mouthwatering local derby clash with Tamworth.

Boxing Day sees another old local rivalry restored when Western Division champions Stafford Rangers visit Eton Park, with the return at Marston Road in Easter, while Ilkeston Town provide the New Years Day opposition, this time at the New Manor Ground.

The season climaxes once again with a home tie, as Margate visit Eton Park on Saturday 5th May.

Click here for the full 2000-2001 fixture list...

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Tuesday 4th July 2000

Clough clinches Kav deal

Nigel Clough has made his first signing of the summer with the capture of former Derby County defender Jason Kavanagh from Cambridge United.

28-year old Kavanagh, a regular in the right-back slot since joining the Division Two side from Stoke City midway through the season, was under contract at the Abbey Stadium, but had recently stated his intention to quit the professional ranks to pursue a career as a financial consultant.

Said Kavanagh in Monday's Burton Mail: "I have tried to look beyond the next two years because I didn't want to get to the stage of being in my thirties and wondering what my next move would be. I decided I would rather make the decision now and establish a future outside of full-time football.
 

Jason Kavanagh - Cloughie's first close- season signing Pic: U's Net

"But I'm still a very committed footballer and I want to continue playing at a good standard. That's why I've joined Burton because I see a club and a manager who can give me Conference football next season. I'm more excited about coming here and making a fresh start career-wise than I am concerned about finishing as a professional footballer." Kavanagh made 100 league appearances for Derby County, with whom he won promotion into the Premier League, and enjoyed a successful two year spell with Wycombe Wanderers before moving to Stoke, where he failed to hang on to a first team place. He joined Cambridge in December last year, where he was re-united with former Rams boss Roy McFarland, and made 19 league appearances for the U's. McFarland, who is facing a scarcity of defenders at the Abbey was keen to hang on to Kavanagh, who is seen as a real catch by Brewers boss Nigel Clough. "Mostly at our level the only signings you make out of the Football League are 18 or 19-year olds who haven't quite made it or those in the 34 or 35 bracket," he said.

"To get someone of 28 who is at his peak and also lives locally is unusual. He'll add that bit of quality to the squad and the other good thing is that Jason will give us flexibility because he can play across the back four or in midfield."

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Saturday 1st July 2000

Yeltz trip in Cup

The draws for the FA competitions for the new season have been made, with the Brewers facing a trip to Dr. Martens Premier Division rivals Halesowen Town in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup on Saturday September 30th.

Meanwhile, Albion have a bye in the First Round of the FA Trophy, and will await the winners of the match between Ryman League Division One sides Yeading and Bromley in the second round, to be played at Eton Park on Saturday 2nd December.

The Brewers' defence of the Dr. Martens League Cup begins with a tricky away tie at neighbours Tamworth, on a date to be arranged. The fixtures for the new Dr. Martens League season are due out on 15th July - make sure you visit the site for the full list.

Still very little else to report, but expect some developments soon on the signings front. The contracts of Football League players expired yesterday (30th July), and Nigel Clough is widely expected to be turning his attention to the League as he looks to build his squad for the new season.

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Friday 16th June 2000

All quiet at Eton Park

As Euro 2000 continues to dominate the attention of football fans, Burton Albion are enjoying what has been so far, the quietest close seasonin recent memory, with very little news to report.

Since the news of new contracts for manager Nigel Clough and captain Darren Stride, there have been no new arrivals at Eton Park, although four of last season's squad have departed the club.

The most high profile exits are those of striker Anton Thomas and full back Jamie March. 24-year old March impressed with his early form at left back after signing for the Brewers last summer, but struggled with his form and was unable to hold on to a regular first team place.
 

Jamie March (top) and Anton Thomas - leaving Eton Park after one season with the Brewers.

March has since signed for the Brewers' Dr. Martens Premier Division rivals King's Lynn, with Linnets assistant boss Darren Gee professing to be "highly delighted" with his new signing, saying: "He can play left back, wing back or midfield and he's quick, strong, good in the tackle and he can distribute the ball well." The departure of Anton Thomas meanwhile, will come as no surprise. Thomas, another close season capture for Nigel Clough last season, was another star of the Brewers' blistering start to last season, but concerns about his fitness and attitude meant he became less involved as the 1999-2000 campaign wore on, and ended the season on loan at John Barton's Worcester City. Despite a somewhat casual approach to games, Thomas remained popular with many fans who will be concerned at the loss of a quality striker without replacement. But Brewers boss Nigel Clough professed himself happy with the depth of forward players in his squad, saying: "We're well served in this area of the pitch with people like Christian Moore, Dale Anderson, Aaron Webster, Andy Garner and hopefully Phil Starbuck at the club."

Also leaving Albion are former Gresley Rovers player Andy Murfin, whos Brewers career was restricted to substitute appearances after signing on a temporary basis in Feburary, and young striker Danny Davidson.

In other news, the draw for the Dr. Martens League Cup has handed Albion a tough tie as they begin the defence of the trophy they won by beating Hastings Town in last season's final. The Brewers travel to Staffordshire neighbours Tamworth in the first round.

The visit of the Football League's newest club Kidderminster Harriers is the highlight of the Brewers' pre-season campaign. Jan Molby's team visit Eton Park on 17th July. Apart from the usual round of Bass Vase games and friendlies against local clubs, Albion also have a trip to Lincolnshire to take on champions Boston United in the Dr. Martens League shield, on a date yet to be confirmed.

Remember to stay tuned to BrewersNet for all the close season news, and the fixtures for the 2000-2001 season, which are released on July 15th.

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Friday 12th May 2000

Cloughie is a Brewer til 2003!

Albion manager Nigel Clough has signed a new contract which will keep him at Eton Park until 2003.

Clough's existing contract doesn't expire until October next year, and the new deal will come as a major boost to the Brewers as they plan for next season, and is seen by Clough has a chance to kill off for once and for all speculation linking him to other clubs.

Said Clough: "No matter how often you say you're not going, people don't seem to believe it. Now, by signing a new contract, perhaps they'll start to listen to me."

"I'm very happy at Burton," continued Clough, "both on the football side and with the people I'm working with, and I feel we have a chance of acheiving something. Maybe it was a bit too much to expect to go from thirteenth last year to winning the league at the first attempt, but finishing as runners-up is a step in the right direction and will do a lot for the confidence and belief of the players."

Brewers chairman Ben Robinson also expressed his delight at the new agreement: "Everyone should be deilighted," he says in tonight's Burton Mail, "both at the club and in the town as a whole. Nigel has not only become the most successful manager in the club's history, he has increased attendances to the highest level for a quarter of a century and has raised our profile beyond all recognition."

Robinson said that the increase in salary for the Brewers boss in the new deal was "nominal", adding: "What he (Clough) is saying is that he intends to stay at Burton because he has a young family, he likes the area and he's gaining experience."

Meanwhile, Clough has already begun to plan for next season, and has offered new contracts to veteran striker Andy Garner, and midfielder Pat Lyons.

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