DEFENDERS Jevan Anderson and Ben Hart have signed contract extensions that will keep them at Burton Albion for the 2020/21 season.
20-year-old Anderson joined the Brewers last summer following a successful trial period. He had initially trained with the Academy before being invited back to train with the first team, impressing enough to earn a one-year deal. He made his first team debut last season as a late substitute in an away victory against MK Dons, before picking up regular playing experience during his time on loan at Hereford United.
Hart went on loan to both Kidsgrove Athletic and Tamworth last season, making his professional debut for the Brewers as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Rochdale. The 19-year-old also featured twice more during the 2019/20 campaign, picking up minutes against Tranmere Rovers and Accrington Stanley.
Manager Jake Buxton has felt that both players have shown enough during their time with the first team to warrant new deals. He said: “I obviously trained with both players daily last season and have seen enough from them both of them to offer them extensions.
“Both players gained valuable experience out on loan last season and it’s now up to them to push the other defenders all the way to try and break through and earn themselves places in the squad.
Jevan Anderson
On Anderson Buxton said: “Jevan knows his position in the squad and it’s important that he continues his development.
“His attitude and work rate are brilliant and we’re looking forward to seeing how he progresses as a player.”
Anderson explained the delight he felt when finding out that he was to be offered a new deal. He said: “When I found out from the new gaffer (Jake Buxton) that I was getting a new deal I was buzzing.
“I’d spoken to the previous manager (Nigel Clough) and he was happy with how I was developing, so to hear that as well from the new gaffer was great.
“I felt that going out on loan was very valuable last season and that I adapted well to playing at very competitive level of football. I now want to continue my development and try to progress playing at this level.”
Ben Hart
On Hart Buxton said: “We got very good feedback from Kidsgrove manage Ryan Austin (former Burton Albion player) and he was over the moon with how Ben did during his time there.
“He’s certainly got the attributes to become a top player and it’s important that he takes the advice that is given to him from the staff to give him the best chance of fulfilling his potential.”
Hart explained his relief at finding out the news on his new deal. He said: “I felt confident that I’d done enough to get a new deal, but it was a worrying period waiting to find out what was going to happen following the pandemic.
“I’m really happy that I’m staying, and I can’t wait to work under Jake Buxton. I feel that I’ve learnt a lot from him in training already as a player and can learn even more from him going forward as our manager.”