ARCHIVE NEWS

2005/06 CONFERENCE FIXTURES (30/06/05)

The fixtures for the forthcoming season have been released and the full list can be found on the website.

The season opens at home when Grays Athletic are the first visitors for a league match at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday 13th August. That is followed by away trips to Halifax Town and Woking. The August Bank Holiday sees an away trip to the seaside at Southport, whilst the Christmas period sees the usual double header against Tamworth with an away trip to Kidderminster sandwiched between the two derby fixtures.

The Brewers face only two midweek evening away trips, the other a return to the Abbey Stadium, Cambridge, on Tuesday 27th September.

The season finishes again with an away trip to Gravesend & Northfleet on Saturday 29th April. [FULL FIXTURE LIST]

BREWERS BABES - MISS JUNE UNVEILED (29/06/05)

Just squeezing in with one day to go, the latest Brewers Babe has now been added to the site. The old scarf/skirt combination makes a comeback again, modelled by Deborah. [BREWERS BABES]

SIGNINGS ANNOUNCED - AT LAST!!! (28/06/05)

There has finally been some news released about potential signings for Burton Albion, and as revealed several weeks ago on this site, the new players look likely to be Darren Tinson and Keith Gilroy.

Tinson, an experienced central defender looks set to sign after being released by Shrewsbury Town, the club he helped gain promotion from the Conference back to the Football League. Although 35 years old, his injury free record in recent seasons should see him as a more successful acquisition than Ian Wright 2 seasons ago.

Gilroy, is a player trying to rebuild his career after recovering from a serious injury. He suffered a broken leg whilst playing for Scarborough against the Brewers, and has struggled to recreate the form that saw him courted by several league clubs.

Gilroy spent the end of last season in the league with Darlington, but was released at the end of the season, and should therefore be available for free.

It must be hoped that Gilroy will be able to make use of the perfect playing surface at the Pirelli Stadium to show of his skills

TICKET PRICES 2005/06

Burton Albion have announced the ticket prices for next season, and as expected, there has been a significant increase. Whilst the prices for junior supporters have remained the same, or have been reduced in the case of seats in the main stand, adults and OAP's will have to pay more to watch football at the Pirelli Stadium.

Full breakdown (last season in brackets);

ROBBIE TALBOT TO PLAY FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

Not quite, but former Albion striker Robbie Talbot will soon be rubbing shoulders with the Manchester United spin-off team, FC United of Manchester. The newly formed club were given the all clear to play in the North West Counties League and to share Droylsden's ground for their home fixtures.

Red Devils fan and Droylsden owner/manager Dave Pace has stated that he would be prepared to loan out his players to help the new club, which could include Talbot who has been in and out of the Blood's side since joining them from the Brewers.

FC United will start their life in the second division of the NW Counties League, but will be hoping to match the achievements of AFC Wimbledon, who have already progressed to the Ryman Premier League after forming in 2002.

FA CUP & TROPHY NEWS (15/06/05)

An article on the Morecambe official site has outlined the format for the FA competitions for next season. There are a couple of minor amendments to the FA Trophy. The early rounds of the competition will be renamed as qualifying rounds, with Burton and the other Conference National clubs entering at the 1st round stage. The date of this round has been brought forward and matches will take place on December 17th.

Prize money for the FA Trophy is £4000 for 1st round winners, £5000 in the second round, £6000 in the third, £7000 in the fourth, semi-final winners receive £16,000, with the winners picking up a cheque for £50,000.

The FA Cup remains unchanged, and the Brewers will start the competition in the 4th qualifying round which takes place on 22nd October.

ROVERS RETURN (11/06/05)

The Conference AGM was held today, and as expected it has been announced that Northwich Victoria have been relegated which means a reprieve for Forest Green Rovers. Despite overcoming a 10 point deduction to finish above the relegation places, Vics have been relegated to the Conference North due to a breach of the rules concerning ownership of their new stadium.

Northwich's relegation sees them drop out of the Conference for the very first time. The club were founder members of the then, Alliance Premier League, in 1979.

It is the second successive season that a club has been saved from relegation. Last season saw all three of the bottom clubs saved, after Telford United folded, Margate were relegated due to ground issues and the champions of the Nationwide North failed to meet the ground criteria for promotion.

HELP THE AGED (09/06/05)

An article in the current issue of the Non-League Paper shows that pensioners watching Burton Albion next season will be forced to stump up more cash than at any other Conference club.

In the article which compares season ticket prices for each of the 22 clubs, a concession terrace season ticket costs £178 at the Pirelli Stadium, £27 more than the next most expensive at Kidderminster Harriers.

Five clubs, Altrincham, Dagenham, Gravesend, Hereford & Scarborough, all offer a concession season ticket for under £100.

Concession tickets are only available to the over 65's under Burton Albion's policy, whilst at most other clubs the qualifying age is just 60.

EXCLUSIVE BARRY MILLER INTERVIEW (09/06/05)

Defender Barry Miller talks about his current contract situation, how it feels to be a 'GOD' and gives an insight into the management style of the 'gaffer'

Read the exclusive interview [HERE]

PIRELLI STADIUM REVIEW (08/06/05)

With only 6 weeks to go until the grand opening, the new home of Burton Albion is definitely starting to take shape. Ok, so it is no Old Trafford, but the Pirelli Stadium will certainly be one of the best venues in non-league football and will even be the envy of some clubs in the Football League. [MORE]

'SIMMO' JOINS TIGERS (06/06/05)

Former Albion defender Michael Simpkins has joined Conference North Worksop Town. 'Simmo', who was sponsored by CTMD last season, had a less than successful spell at Eton Park and ended the season playing for Leigh RMI.

Michael won over the Burton fans during his time with the club, but unfortunately failed to impress the manager with his inability to follow instructions.

He managed to achieve both the highlight and the lowest point of his brief Brewers career in the league match away at Exeter City. He scored his first ever competitive goal to give Burton the lead, before his mistake gifted the home side an equaliser. His 'error' was his last ever action in an Albion shirt as he was immediately substituted and never seen again.

CTMD wishes Michael a happy time at Worksop Town!

KIRKY JOINS HINCKLEY (28/05/05)

Glenn Kirkwood has joined Conference North Hinckley United on a one year deal.

Kirky was a fans favourite at Eton Park with his 100% commitment to the team in whatever position he was asked to play. Despite joining the club as a striker from Ilkeston Town, he played mostly in midfield or defence for the Brewers. He made a total of 93 appearances for Burton, scoring 7 times. He scooped the goal of the season award at the end of the 2003/04 season after his spectacular strike against Scarborough.

A look back at Glenn's career will appear in the Albion Oldboys section over the next few days.

ALBION OLDBOY JOINS WHIPPETS (28/05/05)

Former Burton Albion striker Mick Curry has joined Gresley Rovers as assistant manager to Gary Norton.

Curry made 18 appearances for the Brewers during the 1991/92 season after being released by Ipswich Town.

CTMD will hopefully bring you an interview of the Whippet's new management team as part of the build up to the Bass Vase clash at the Moat Ground in July.

DEFENDER SET TO SIGN (23/05/05)

Reports in today's press indicate that ex-Shrewsbury Town defender Darren Tinson is set to become the first new arrival at Burton Albion.

Club captain Tinson, was a surprise name on the list of released players at Gay Meadow after making more than 40 appearances last season.

At 35 years of age, he doesn't appear to fit the profile of younger players that Nigel Clough has brought in in the past, but his experience may be seen as vital to channel the talents of an otherwise youthful Albion back line.

Tinson is also a fully qualified physiotherapist, and his abilities in this area could also be invaluable in a team that has been ravaged by injuries in recent seasons.

Tinson made over 200 appearances for Macclesfield in the Football League, before dropping down into the Conference to help Shrewsbury win promotion at the first attempt. He played in both of the Shrew's games against the Brewers, which each ended in 1-0 defeats for Albion.

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAREWELL (18/05/05)

Burton Albion said goodbye to 47 years of memories at Eton Park last night with a celebration of players from the past and present.

In an entertaining and emotional night, a team made up of the current squad and guests beat a team of old and bold Albion favourites 5-3.

Amongst the stars on show were all the members of the '500 club', players that have all made more than half a century of appearances for the Brewers. Although Darren Stride had to only participate as a spectator due to recent surgery, Phil Annable, Nigel Simms and Nick Goodwin all showed glimpses of why they were such heroes during their playing careers.

Other highlights included the coming together of two thirds of the most prolific strike partnerships of all time, with John Gayle and Mark Whitehouse back together. The amazingly long locks of Andy Harrison, and the lack of hair of Neil Dorsett certainly raised a few eyebrows, and there was a stunning goal from trialist Eric Graves.

The evening was rounded off perfectly with a fireworks display.

The evening was a great success and much praise must go to everyone at Burton Albion for the event.

CONFERENCE LINE-UP COMPLETE (15/05/05)

The full list of teams competing in next seasons Nationwide Conference is now complete after this weekend's play-off matches. Last night saw Carlisle clinch the final promotion place to the Football League after defeating Stevenage Borough 1-0, while Altrincham defeated Eastbourne Borough 2-1 in the North/South play-off, and join Grays Athletic and Southport as the three promoted sides.

Full line up;

Accrington Stanley, Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Burton Albion, Cambridge United, Canvey Island, Crawley Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Exeter City, Gravesend & Northfleet, Grays Athletic, Halifax Town, Hereford United, Kidderminster Harriers, Morecambe, Northwich Victoria, Scarborough, Southport, Stevenage Borough, Tamworth, Woking and York City.

CLOUGH STAYS PUT (14/05/05)

Nigel Clough has committed his future to Burton Albion by turning down the opportunity to join Stuart Pearce as assistant manager at Manchester City.

Pearce and Clough are long time friends and former team mates, and a partnership between the two had been speculated ever since Pearce was linked with the job at the City Of Manchester Stadium.

However reports in today's Derby Evening Telegraph show that Clough is still determined to continue his building work at the Brewers and is looking to strengthen the team more than ever.

MORE PRE-SEASON MATCHES ANNOUNCED (14/05/05)

Two more matches have been added to the pre-season programme, with Nuneaton Borough and Chester City due to test out the facilities at the new Pirelli Stadium. The full list of games is;

COMPETITION TIME (12/05/05)

CTMD has joined forces with Sporting Heroes to bring you the chance to win your very own personalised Burton Albion plaque. The winner of the competition will be able to design their very own prize and have it delivered to their door. And for those not lucky enough to win, Sporting Heroes are offering an amazing discounted price to visitors to this website who purchase a plaque.

Unlike so called 'wins' in some newspapers, all you have to do for your chance to scoop the prize is to answer a simple question.

To enter the competition CLICK HERE

WARD SET TO JOIN LAMBS (12/05/05)

Midfielder Graham Ward looks set to join Tamworth this week. Ward spent a month on loan at Eton Park and looked as though he had done enough to earn a deal for next season. However his time with the Brewers was cut short due to injury and he returned to Cheltenham Town. Lambs manager Mark Cooper looks to have stolen a march on Nigel Clough by snapping up the player who has been capped by the  Republic Of Ireland at U21 level.

FANZINE CURSE STRIKES AGAIN (11/05/05)

First it was Barry Williams, and then it was Michael Simpkins. Now it seems that Sam Shilton is the latest player to suffer the curse of CTMD sponsorship, as it was revealed he is set to leave the club.

In the same way that someone rescues a mongrel puppy from a dog pound, Sam Shilton was sponsored by the 'Cell Block 3' crowd, of which this sites editor is a member, after they felt sorry for him at a pre-match meal.

It looks unlikely though that Sam will return to Burton after the summer after he was only offered a month to month contract. He is believed to have attracted the attentions of two other clubs, one of which is believed to be Wigan.

An un-official spokesman for the Wigan Pie Eaters club said they would be delighted for a person of Sam's 'stature' to join their ranks.

ALBION OLDBOY CALLS IT A DAY (08/05/05)

Defender Adam Willis has decided to take a break from football after a disappointing season with Hinckley United. Willis made 7 appearances for the Brewers in the 2003/04 season on loan from Kidderminster Harriers. His profile has now been added to the Past Players section.

BREWERS BABES, MISS MAY REVEALED (07/05/04)

You may have to wait a few months for some action on the pitch, but there will be plenty of Brewers Babes action here on CTMD all throughout the summer. Our Miss May is Mel Rook and her exclusive picture can be seen in the Brewers Babes section of the website.

CONFERENCE LINE UP TAKING SHAPE (04/05/04)

Last night saw the conclusion of the Conference North and South Play-Off semi-finals, and the full line up for next season should soon be known.

There will be no extra local derby for the Brewers though, after Nuneaton Borough lost their match against Altrincham on a penalty shoot out. The winners of that game now face Kettering Town in the Northern Final. Eastbourne beat Thurrock in the southern semi-final and now meet Cambridge City in the Southern Final. The winners of the two finals will meet in a final play-off game at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke later this month, and the victors on the day will be promoted to the Conference. (Simple isn't it!)

The relegation from the Football League has already been resolved, with Cambridge United and Kidderminster Harriers returning to non-league football.