Burton Albion performed heroics throughout the second half of the 2024-25 campaign in their quest to avoid the drop, and the man behind those heroics has been duly rewarded, as Gary Bowyer has penned a new deal with the club.
While the former Bradford City coach was already under contract until 2026, the extension comes as a reward for Bowyer’s short but impactful tenure at the club.
At the time of the coach’s arrival last December, the Brewers sat miserably in the League One relegation zone.
Burton earned 35 of their final 47-point tally under the 53-year-old’s lead, with notable victories over Cambridge United and Huddersfield Town integral to the club preserving their status in the third tier.
Moving forward for Burton Albion
Bowyer has signed an extension that will see his contract expire in 2027, and securing his services for 2027 will be a huge delight amongst the Brewers’ faithful.
For years, bare survival in League One has been the standard at the club, with last season marking consecutive 20th-placed finishes.
Recent years fighting the drop have seen numerous names in the dugout at the Pirelli, with the likes of Mark Robinson, Jimmy Floyd Hasslebank, and Martin Patterson to name a few.
Last season was particularly disappointing for Burton, with the additions of Danilo Orsi, Eliot Watt, and Ben Whitfield leading many to tip them away from the relegation scrap.
The trio flattered to deceive, leaving Bowyer to pick up the pieces.
On committing his future to the Staffordshire club, the manager said:
“I’m incredibly proud to have signed a new two-year contract as Head Coach of Burton Albion.
“Over the next two years, my commitment to you is simple — myself and the staff will give everything we have to build a team that reflects the heart and spirit of this club.
“Together, we will push forward.”
Gary Bowyer’s record with Burton Albion:
- Matches played: 27
- Wins: 9
- Draws: 8
- Losses: 10
- Win percentage: 33%
- Points per game: 1.3
Stability for Burton Albion with Gary Bowyer
Boasting a wealth of experience in the EFL divisions, Bowyer has previously managed the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Salford City and Blackpool.
This know-how in the game could be crucial in the head coach establishing himself as a consistent figure in the Burton dugout, which has been much needed for years.
A consistent head coach could help mark a new era for the club that has struggled at the bottom of League One for four years.
Last year, the club were acquired by Nordic Football Group, and while the first year did not go to plan, a steady-natured coach at the helm could be fundamental in the club establishing an identity on and off the pitch.
Bowyer permits the club stability in their operations on the pitch, which will be helpful in allowing the owners to convey their ideologies off the pitch, if the correct balance is found.
On the coach committing his future, Burton’s sporting director, Richard Dorman shared:
“We are delighted that Gary has extended his contract with Burton Albion.
“We have all seen the impact that he has had on not just the squad but around the entire club.
“Signing a two-year deal represents a significant step in the stability and focus of the football department for the coming seasons.”