Buxton: It will be different, with lower wages and fewer extras

New Burton boss is clear about the 'new reality' coronavirus is certain to bring to football

Jake Buxton accepts that he may be working with smaller numbers both squad-wise and in terms of staff when football gets going again.

Burton Albion’s newly-appointed player-manager foresees a big change, with players having to accept lower wages and less lucrative “extras” in their contracts, while staff may double up in jobs as the professional games face up to a new reality post-Covid-19.

But Buxton also hopes chairman Ben Robinson’s acclaimed patience with new managers will stand him in good stead as he gets to grips with his new job.

“It (Covid-19) has changed everything for virtually everyone in the world,” said Buxton.

“Many jobs will be lost and that will be reflected in all aspects of life. Sport will not be immune and we will not go back to the finances as they were before the crisis. I will be impressing on the players that in terms of wages, appearances fees, win bonuses and the kind of things players expect in contracts, that might not be the same any more.

“It will hit the supporters hard and with jobs lost it will be hard for fans to still afford to watch football, so it’s even more important that we give absolutely everything for them. “That way, it can, hopefully, become once again a wonderful release from everyday life or problems on a Saturday.”

The former Derby County defender says the chairman’s backing will be crucial if he is to succeed.

“I know that I’m starting out with a set of circumstances that nobody has dealt with before but I also know I will be given time to make a good job of it,” he said. “The chairman has given many young managers an opportunity to learn their trade and the time they need, where some clubs have been quick to jump the gun and make snap decisions.

“Our chairman accepts that it’s a learning curve and when you look at the names of the managers who have worked here and been successful, that backing has been immensely important. These are different times and circumstances and I know budgets will have to be restricted and that we will have to look at staff and players taking on dual roles. Football in general won’t have the luxury of as many bodies.”

Buxton has said that the Brewers’ retained list will be pushed back into June – they still do not know whether or not they will be required to complete the 2019-20 season on the pitch – but he said it was a priority last week for him to get to talk to every player at the club. He will have a core of players still under contract but, otherwise, loans are expiring and others are coming to the end of their deals.

“There are a lot of decisions to be made and a lot of talks to be had,” he said, “but we have a good core group of players. There will be a turnover of players this summer. There would have been anyway, with players being out of contract.

“It will be about trying to get together a core of players who believe in the club, as Nigel Clough has always done. Recruitment will be vital. We have to make sure that, besides ability, we sign players with the right character. It won’t be easy but we are ready to do this together.”