Former Burton Albion manager Gary Rowett has praised the Brewers for their courageous end to the season, but it wasn’t enough to save his old club from the drop.
Burton failed to beat Preston at Deepdale, and with Bolton beating Nottingham Forest, it condemned Nigel Clough’s men to relegation.
The current Derby County manager had a positive spell at the Pirelli Stadium, but left the club for Birmingham City with the Brewers at the top of League 2.
He played 43 times for Burton Albion between 2005 and 2007, before taking on the role of manager in 2012.
in 142 games in charge of the Midlands club, he oversaw 63 wins, resulting a 44.4% win ratio.
Speaking to the Derby Telegraph, Rowett could not hide his disappointment for his former club.
He said “At one point that was the only result I was interested in because I wanted Burton to get something out of the game,
“They (Burton) have had an unbelievably courageous end to the season.
“I am sure they will feel that maybe that little dip in the middle of the season took it out of their hands, but they can be really proud.”
Rowett’s Derby County secured a playoff place with a 4-1 victory over Barnsley.
Burton have done remarkably well too prolong their stay in the Championship for two years due to the size and stature of the club.
“If a league table was based on budgets, you know that they would be bottom and there wouldn’t be a lot of expectation.” He added.
“So, for them to nearly do it (survive) again for a second season running in the Championship shows what a great club it is and the people there have worked incredibly hard.”
Burton will be hoping for an instant return to the Championship, but Rowett will be hoping his side are in the Premier League next campaign.
