SHAUN Barker is honoured to have been named club captain at Burton Albion.
With the departure of John Mousinho, Clough has turned to the former Derby County defender to be his leader off the pitch and in the dressing room.
Barker said: “It’s always a tough one when you have a player and captain like John moving on who was integral to a key part of Burton Albion’s history. John was a fantastic player and a great club captain while he was here and knew the club inside and out.
“It’s shame to see John go, he’s a good friend of mine but it’s important that players like John who have been a big part in the success here get the chance to go and play regular football.
“Now, with John gone, the gaffer wants to share the responsibilities around and whoever he makes his captain on the pitch can focus on that role and I can do the stuff off it. I have done it for the gaffer before at Derby County and he knows I will give my all and put everything I can into it.
“I haven’t been able to have as much pitch time as both of us would have liked but I still want to contribute in every way I can and to be offered this role is an honour and I’m grateful for that.
“The gaffer was keen to keep me here this season and I try to do as much off the pitch as possible. I have been helping out in the rehab side of things and in the Academy as well. I’m not just here to be in and around the changing room. I have kept myself busy even though I haven’t played as much as I would like."
Barker believes the Brewers have a stronger squad this season.
“We keep on adding quality and you look at the squad compared to this time last season and there is more experience at this level. It has come on another leap really.
"There have been times in the last year when we have been thin on the ground but that’s not the case now. If I’m not involved it means everyone is fit and really flying and I’m happy if the club is doing well."