Manager of Portsmouth's League One rivals Burton steps down to financially protect club

The Brewers boss will be replaced by captain Jake Buxton at the Pirelli Stadium helm to help safeguard the club amid the coronavirus crisis.

Clough enjoyed success since retaking the reins at the Staffordshire outfit in 2015.

He guided them to the Championship for the first time in the club’s history the following year – with the help of current Pompey players Tom Naylor and Marcus Harness.

Clough leaves Burton 12th in the League One table. Assistant boss Gary Crosby and chief scout Simon Clough are also departing, with Buxton to become player-manager.

Brewers chairman Ben Robinson says Clough’s departure is for financial reasons because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

He told the club’s website: ‘Nigel Clough has achieved phenomenal success with the club during two spells going back 22 years. During this time, the club has enjoyed the greatest period in its history including two years in the Championship, which for a club of our stature is a remarkable achievement.

‘Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic is having a dramatic impact on all football clubs, meaning we have to make difficult financial decisions going forward in order to safeguard the club and ensure it still exists for the supporters and the benefit of the community for generations to come. At present we have no idea when football will be safe to re-start and whether we will be able to play in front of crowds or behind closed doors, which brings a high degree of financial uncertainty.

‘It’s therefore with a heavy heart that after talks with Nigel, Gary and Simon we have agreed that their departure will help us meet these challenges. I want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication over their long association with the club.

‘Jake Buxton is the natural choice to take over as player-manager as he knows the club inside and out. He continues our long tradition of giving young managers an opportunity and I’m sure he will go on to be as successful as he has been on the field.’

Pompey were held to a 2-2 draw against Burton at Fratton Park in September.