CLOUGHIE GAVE ME AN INSIGHT

JOHN McGrath plans to take a leaf out of his old Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough’s copybook as he bids to keep Buxton’s momentum going.

- By John Lyons

McGrath led the Bucks to the National League North play-offs in his first season at the helm. They finished seventh before going down 2-1 at Chester after extra-time in the Eliminator.

It was a creditable achievement for the Irishman, who led the switch from part-time to full-time football last summer. Now the question is whether Buxton can build upon that progress next term.

Having been involved in Burton’s rise under current Mansfield Town boss Clough, McGrath has had an insight into what he needs to do next.

"I was part of a Burton Albion promotion-winning side under Nigel and every year there were minor tweaks," the 45-year-old told The NLP.

"The club fell short of the play-offs one season, got into them the next and then won the (Conference) title. He added three or four players every year.