JAKE Buxton has signed a one-year deal that will bring him back to Burton Albion.
The defender started his career at Mansfield Town before joining the Brewers at the start of the 2008/2009 season. He was a major factor in the Brewers’ title-winning campaign that saw the club promoted to the Football League for the first time and was voted Player of the Season.
Buxton was then signed by Nigel Clough again after he became manager of Derby County.
Clough said: “He has come on as player since (his first Burton Albion spell) and very nearly made the Premier League with Derby. He’s a very good, experienced defender.
“He knows the challenges we face at the club the size of Burton. He’ll be under no illusions and he will fit straight in.
“As he is a player we know well, there is less settling in time. He knows what’s expected and that certainly helps. His experience will be vital in the dressing room next season for another tough year.”
Buxton spent last year at Wigan Athletic but couldn’t prevent the club being relegated back to League One. Now he's delighted to have rejoined the Brewers and be back in the Championship.
He said: “It's nice to get it done and dusted and to be back, and especially where the club has come from since I was last here and now to be part of the future."
His initial spell at Burton Albion was such a success that it resulted in a move to the Championship.
"After winning the league with Burton Albion, the opportunity came to join the Rams and a new chapter in my playing career. I went in as sixth choice and worked my way up there. I had a good relationship with Nigel Clough there and giving me the opportunity to sign for Derby County is a big reason why I have come back to Burton Albion.
"This is a Championship club now as well and it's a good fit for me at this time of my career."