Nigel Clough has resigned as Burton Albion manager to help the League One club adjust to the financial challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Clough, who is on a rolling contract, will end his second spell in charge next month and be replaced by the club captain, Jake Buxton.
Clough, the most successful manager in Burton’s history, proposed standing down with clubs unsure when supporters will be able to attend matches. His assistant, Gary Crosby, and brother Simon, the chief scout, will also depart.
“We hope that by stepping away it helps the club with the financial pressures in these unprecedented times, and that it will also help the club secure the jobs of as many of the staff as possible going forward,” Clough said.
Clough returned five years ago after a two-year spell at Sheffield United, helping Burton into the Championship for the first time. The 54-year-old previously led the club to the brink of the Football League before departing for Derby. Buxton, a 35-year-old former Derby defender, is expected to take over as player-manager.
“Nigel Clough has achieved phenomenal success with the club during two spells going back 22 years,” said Burton’s chairman, Ben Robinson. “During this time, the club has enjoyed the greatest period in its history including two years in the Championship, which for a club of our stature is a remarkable achievement.
“Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic is having a dramatic impact on all football clubs, meaning we have to make difficult financial decisions in order to safeguard the club and ensure it still exists for the supporters and the benefit of the community for generations to come … It’s therefore with a heavy heart that after talks with Nigel, Gary and Simon we have agreed that their departure will help us meet these challenges. I want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication over their long association with the club.
“Jake Buxton is the natural choice to take over as player-manager as he knows the club inside out. He continues our long tradition of giving young managers an opportunity.”
Discussions between League One clubs regarding the interrupted season are ongoing, with at least six teams, most of whom are in the mix for promotion, determined to resume playing. Conversations continued on Monday but there remains a swell of clubs that wish for the season to be curtailed on the grounds that it is too expensive to continue.
On Friday League Two clubs made it clear they opposed relegation, a consideration the EFL board will debate on Wednesday. Such a standpoint is likely to be met with firm resistance from the National League, and any decision would require a sign-off from the Football Association.
