New Burton Albion Coach Gary Bowyer Aims to Strengthen Squad Amid Relegation Fight

Gary Bowyer, the recently appointed head coach for Burton Albion, has stated his intention to be “straight” with his players as he aims to restructure the Brewers’ roster during the upcoming winter transfer period. The 53-year-old manager assumes control of a Brewers team currently positioned one spot and one point above the last place in the League One standings. Bowyer plans to utilize the demanding festive season to evaluate his squad, which has experienced significant alterations in the last six months, including a British-record acquisition of 23 players during a single summer transfer window. Overall, the club saw 47 player transactions between seasons, with 24 players also leaving after the team narrowly escaped relegation in the previous term. Mark Robinson, who served as head coach for slightly more than four months after being chosen by the Nordic Football Group upon their acquisition of Burton, was not involved in player recruitment; however, Bowyer has affirmed that he “100%” will be. He informed BBC Radio Derby, “I know some of the squad, not all of the squad, but I’m getting to know them as quickly as possibly and make decisions.” He added, “And it’s being honest with them as well – if I don’t feel they will play a part for us, to then say to them ‘look let’s shake hands and you go play football somewhere else because that is what your job is’.” Bowyer concluded, “It’s just being straight with people and then look to bring in reinforcements.” The club’s Scandinavian owners previously prioritized young players with high potential during their restructuring of the team. As Burton fights to maintain its position in the third tier, Bowyer, who previously managed Blackburn, Blackpool, Bradford, and Salford, indicated that experienced players will be crucial in his search for new additions. Regarding the current squad, which features 27-year-old defender Ryan Sweeney – a player from the Dundee team Bowyer led to the Scottish Premiership as Championship title winners in 2023 – Bowyer commented, “There are some experienced lads in there.” He further explained, “You don’t have to be 30 or 34 to be experienced, it’s the number of games you have played as well.” Bowyer also stated, “It’s for us to help the younger ones and make them more game savvy and to see what’s out in the market and who we can actually bring in.” Bowyer’s inaugural match as manager will be a home fixture against Exeter this Saturday, occurring nearly two months after Robinson’s dismissal. Tom Hounsell served as interim boss for the 55-day period when the club lacked a permanent head coach, but he has since departed following Bowyer’s appointment. John Brayford, who retired from playing at the conclusion of last season to transition into a coaching position, will continue as a member of Bowyer’s backroom staff, which is still in the process of being finalized. Bowyer affirmed that he will not disregard any efforts made by previous coaches “out the window” as he endeavors to steer the team away from the relegation zone. Bowyer noted, “Look at the how the team has performed at Peterborough away [where they won], and Leyton Orient [a draw] as they picked up points.” He added, “We have to keep building on that, and adding bits hear and tweaking as we go.”