Ahead of tomorrow’s match at the Pirelli Stadium versus Burton Albion in League One, we have done a Q&A with one of their supporters. Thank you to Jack for answering the questions! Tomorrow’s referee is Edward Duckworth and the kick-off is 17:30.
GET INVOLVED: You can discuss what has been said in this article here, and many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! Also, have a go at both of the quizzes below (click the graphics).
How long have you supported Burton Albion?
I’ve supported Burton for around eleven years and had a season ticket for the last nine.
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
I think there is a huge wave of optimism around the club. The main hope is just to see an improvement from what has been a fairly bleak last few seasons, both in terms of style of play, and results. It would be nice to be entertained and to see some exciting football being played.
What are your early views of the takeover and the appointment of Mark Robinson?
Certainly exciting. The new owners have spent the summer hosting fan events, and engaging with the fanbase. They speak very well and seem to have huge plans for the club over the coming years. I don’t think Mark Robinson would’ve been many fans’ choice for the job, but he’s got the history of being part of a good project at Wimbledon and developing young players at Chelsea and Wimbledon. I think the appointment needs to be given time but could work out very well.
Which of your new signings are you most excited about?
Billy Bodin turned down many other League One clubs to join Burton. At the age of 32, he brings some experience that the squad in general is a little bit short on, and he has shown incredible technical ability in pre-season, also scoring from the halfway line in one of the friendlies.
Random fact about your Club?
The Stig, well known for BBC’s Top Gear, is a Burton fan.
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Burton Albion?
I think Sunderland 1-2 Burton Albion was the match that really summed up what Burton achieved in their Championship years. 1-0 down, and, in the context relegated, the Brewers came back with two 90+ minute goals to not only keep Burton up to fight another day but also relegate Sunderland in the process. I have never seen scenes like it in an away end before, or since.
A least favourite that springs to mind is our 5-0 drubbing away at Morecambe on New Year’s Day last season. With what can at best be described as a sore head, travelling over six hours to watch Burton fail to have a shot on target against then bottom-of-the-league Morecambe wasn’t much fun, although the night out in Morecambe that proceeded was much better than the football.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top six and the bottom four?
I think Birmingham will top the table, with Huddersfield also grabbing automatic promotion. I can see the four teams to get into the playoffs being Peterborough, Rotherham, Lincoln and Bolton.
The bottom four will be made up of Crawley, Shrewsbury, Reading and Cambridge.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
Lincoln have had a comparable story to Burton, rising up the leagues quickly. Their iconic FA Cup run has certainly framed the club into what it is today.
If you could steal one Lincoln City player for your team, who would it be and why?
The same player as I said last season, Ethan Erhahon. He comes across as a very solid defensive midfielder who can also pass well further up the pitch. It’s an area where Burton could also do with some quality and depth, although the new signing of Elliot Watt seems catered to playing a similar role.
What is your prediction for this match?
I expect it to be pretty open, very different to the game at the Pirelli last season. I expect Lincoln to have a good season, and there could be a few teething problems for Burton. Hopefully, a few goals to get both teams off on a decent start, 2-2.
How many of your 20 new signings could you currently pick out of a line-up?
Most of them, I’d hope. The likes of Billy Bodin, Danielo Orsi, and Dylan Williams, are fairly well-known names in the lower leagues. There have though been some very obscure signings. Attacking right-back Nick Akoto joined from an amateur team in the USA, Jack Cooper-Love joined from the Swedish Allsvenakan, and Tomas Kalinuskas joined from the second tier of Dutch football. I am sure that there has been huge scouting and background work done to choose some of the players Burton have signed.
What are your views on only playing two pre-season matches?
Certainly different. I believe the Brewers have played a couple of matches behind closed doors as well. I think it is probably a circumstantial decision, given the huge changes the club is undergoing. It does obviously make you a little bit fearful going into the opening fixtures, but only time will tell as to whether it turns out to be effective or not.
“He’s got the history of being part of a good project at Wimbledon and developing young players at Chelsea.” (Q&A):https://t.co/7wdKhpOK8H#BAFC #WeAreImps #CFC
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 9, 2024
