Vital QPR assesses Tuesday’s opponents – Burton Albion
The rise and rise of Burton Albion is testament to not only the English pyramid system, but also the sensible stewardship of a man with a vested interest in the club and community. The Brewers have drawn admirers from all quarters for their frankly stunning rise through the leagues and it owes much to Ben Robinson’s excellent running of proceedings, combined with the right managerial appointments and signings at just the right time.
Cast your mind back to 2009 and Nigel Clough guided the Brewers to the Football League, and they have not looked back since. Then it was talisman Greg Pearson and Shaun Harrad that guided the team to promotion for the first time to the Football League. When Young Nigel got the well earned call to his father’s former club, Derby County they appointed Paul Peschisolido to the hot-seat, before Gary Rowett was given his opportunity for the then League Two side.
He and chairman Robinson built a formidable partnership, laying the foundations for the story that continues to unfold in Staffordshire. When another club came calling for Rowett, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink took the mantra and ran with it – not only filling the boots of Birmingham-bound Rowett, but taking it to a new level – laying the foundations for Championship football. Make no mistake – the Brewers owe a lot to messrs Rowett and Hasselbaink for their current lofty position, but their greatest asset has been their leadership off the field as Robinson reaps the reward for a patient and steady rise through England’s competitive pyramid.
Founded: 1950
Nickname: Brewers
Ground: Pirelli Stadium – 6912
Manager: Nigel Clough
HONOURS
Third Tier
League One – Runners Up: 2015-16
Fourth Tier
League Two – Winners: 2014-15
Fifth Tier
Football Conference – Winners: 2008-09
Cups
FA Trophy – Runners Up – 1986-87
RECORDS
Record Attendance: 6450 v Liverpool (League Cup, August 2016)
Record league victory: 6-1 v Aldershot Town (League 2, December 2009)
Record league defeat 1-7 v Bristol Rovers (League 2, April 2012)
Record Buy: £250,000 – Jackson Irvine from Ross County (July 2016)
Record Sale: £200,000 – Adam Legzdins to Derby County (June 2011)
Record Appearances: Darren Stride – 646 (1993-2010)
Record Goals: Richie Barker – 159 (1960-62 & 1963-67)
GOALS: Jackson Irvine – 4; Tom Naylor – 3; Lloyd Dyer – 2; Lucas Akins 2.
CARDS: Ben Turner – 5Y; Tom Naylor – 3Y; Jamie Ward – 2Y; Tom Flanaghan – 2Y.
1 – Jon McLaughlin
2 – Tom Flanagan
3 – John Brayford (on loan from Sheffield United)
4 – John Mousinho (captain)
5 – Kyle McFadzean
6 – Ben Turner
7 – Lee Williamson
8 – Chris O’Grady (on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)
9 – Stuart Beavon
10 – Lucas Akins
11 – Lloyd Dyer
12 – Jamie Ward (on loan from Nottingham Forest)
13 – Stephen Bywater
14 – Damien McCrory
15 – Tom Naylor
16 – Matt Palmer
17 – Callum Reilly
18 – Will Miller (on loan from Tottenham Hotspur)
19 – Hamza Choudhury (on loan from Leicester City)
21 – Ben Fox
22 – Marcus Harness
23 – Ryan Delaney
25 – Shaun Barker
27 – Harry Campbell
36 – Jackson Irvine
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