Burton Albion Parts Ways with Manager Following Relegation Battle
In a decisive move, Burton Albion Football Club has terminated Jake Buxton’s managerial contract after a heartbreaking 4-3 home defeat to Wigan Athletic at Pirelli Stadium this week. The Crickex sports team can reveal this marks the end of Buxton’s turbulent 20-game tenure where the Brewers managed just two victories while sinking deeper into League One’s relegation zone.
Collapsing Defenses and Missed Opportunities
The fateful match saw Burton squander leads three separate times despite goals from John-Joe O’Toole, John Brayford, and Kane Hemmings. Wigan’s Kyle Joseph netted a stunning hat-trick while Will Keane delivered the crushing 87th-minute winner that sealed Buxton’s fate.
Chairman Ben Robinson expressed his disappointment to Crickex: “We gave Jake every resource comparable to last season’s budget. After the 5-1 Lincoln humiliation and conceding four more tonight against a direct rival, action became unavoidable.”
Statistical Freefall and Managerial Crossroads
Burton‘s alarming form includes:
- Just 1 win in last 19 matches
- 6 points from safety
- League-worst 43 goals conceded
- Winless since November 24
The 36-year-old former Burton defender took over in May 2020 following Nigel Clough’s departure, initially combining playing duties with management before focusing solely on coaching. His debut season saw a respectable 12th-place finish, but 2021 brought relentless struggles.
What’s Next for Club and Manager?
Robinson confirmed an immediate search for a replacement: “We need fresh leadership to organize our defense and instill belief. The January window offers chance to reshape the squad.”
Buxton remained philosophical in his farewell: “I gave everything during these challenging COVID times. Managing my boyhood club was an honor, but football demands results. I’ll return stronger.”
The 5-1 thrashing by Lincoln foreshadowed Buxton’s dismissal
Survival Battle Intensifies in League One
With Burton rooted to the bottom, their next manager faces a monumental task. Key challenges include:
- Tightening a leaky defense (2.15 goals conceded/game)
- Reigniting attacking threats
- Navigating a compressed January schedule
- Managing limited transfer resources
As Crickex analysts note, the new boss must immediately address set-piece vulnerabilities while restoring confidence in a squad that’s shown flashes of competitiveness amidst the collapse.
Will Burton Albion escape relegation after this managerial change? Share your thoughts below and follow Crickex for exclusive updates on the Brewers’ search for their next leader.
