Burton Albion’s season came to a cheerful end with a ceremonial lap of honour. But a week later, who will be at the club next season?
The Brewers retained list has been announced and it’s very interesting!
📝 RETAINED LIST
New deals offered to eight players as #Brewers retained list is announced!
Read the full story👇https://t.co/Q1Nfv2beX6#BAFC pic.twitter.com/6WTO2sC8mh
— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) May 17, 2023
Finn Delap becomes the latest Academy graduate with seven players returning to their parent clubs after a loan spell. Ten players have been released as Maamria trims his squad in his typical no-nonsense fashion and there are some notable new deals on the table for current Brewers.
Fan favourites, Terry Taylor and Deji Oshilaja have been offered new deals along with goal-keeping hero, Craig MacGillivray.
All seven loan players will be leaving the club as their loan deals haven’t been made permanent and previous academy graduates, Ben Radcliffe and Thierry Latty-Fairweather have been released.
It’s going to be a very busy summer for Burton, but if their January recruitment is anything to go by, next season could be looking very bright for the Brewers.
After the final game of the season, manager Dino Maamria was keen to point out the work that needs to be done over the summer.
“This season has been really good. We’ve got a long summer ahead of us before we’re back and I hope we can bring more success next season.
“We’ve got to say a lot of goodbyes which I thank all of the players who came in and did a fantastic job, now we need to do the hard bit and try to replace them.”
A final farewell for the players leaving was observed after their final game of the season.
The players’ friends and family joined them on the pitch to applaud the dedication of everyone involved with the club.
Supporters were urged to stay after the final whistle of Burton Albion’s 0-0 draw at home to relegated MK Dons on Saturday. With the players and their families coming round to show their appreciation post-match.
The players were serenaded with a rendition of “Hi-Ho Burton Albion” from the Brewers faithful as the players walked round.
After the lap, Captain John Brayford spoke about the key role the fans have played this season.
“The fans have been great all season long. It’s nice that after a tough season we can show our appreciation for them.
“We managed to stay in the league which was our main goal and that wouldn’t have been possible without our 12th man getting behind us at every game,” he said.
The Brewers were rock bottom with just one point from their first eight league games before manager, Dino Maamria, took over. From almost certain relegation to a top ten side post-Christmas, the fans have had a lot to cheer about, and that was definitely felt as the players completed their lap of honour.
Maamria echoed his captains comments, saying: “I’m so pleased for the boys, but most importantly, I’m so pleased for the people who are here week-in, week-out.
“Without these people, we wouldn’t have a club, so it’s extra special when we have these moments to say thank you for everything they’ve done.”
The Brewers managed a 15th place finish, 11 points away from the drop. Along with that, memorable wins against promotion chasing, Bolton, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday topped off a memorable season for a Burton Albion side in a transitional stage of their status in the football league.
The Brewers have absolutely earned their summer holidays, but if Maamria’s words are anything to go by, a new-look Burton Albion will be back, ready to pick up where they left off.
