NIGEL Clough says that players coming through the Academy are vital to Burton Albion’s future.
The club has appointed former Brewers keeper Dan Robinson as its new Academy Manager, which Clough sees as a vital role.
He said: “Dan has only been in a few days but it’s great to have him back.
“He’s another good person to have around the place running a very important part of the club and when you have been to the Olympics with the New Zealand women’s team then he can pass that experience at tournament level to our young players.
“He was great to have around when he was a player here, a brilliant character, with infectious enthusiasm. He has an important role and we are delighted to have him back.”
A clutch of young players have already made an impression this season including Academy graduate Ben Fox.
Clough said: “Ben played in pre-season and did well coming out of the Academy for his first year as a pro. He has been in and around the squad and it was nice to get him on the pitch on Saturday. Any experience he gets at this level is only going to be of benefit.
“It helps the club getting players through the Academy but also everyone likes to see players coming through, especially local lads and Ben’s from just up the road in Branston.
“This is where the loan changes have damaged people like Ben as going out and getting a month’s football when everyone else is fit would be a big benefit but he can’t do that now and us having a small squad we can’t take the chance of letting him out for four or five months at a time.
“The changes hamper all clubs with small squads.”