Burton 'have to be competitive in every game' - Bowyer

Gary Bowyer led Burton Albion to safety last season in what was described as a miracle

Burton Albion head coach Gary Bowyer says his side have to see being competitive in every game as their "realistic target" for the new League One season.

The Brewers finished just one point above the relegation zone last season, having been nine points from safety in 23rd position when Bowyer arrived in December.

Their revival was described as a "miracle" but speaking to Radio Derby, Bowyer says the new campaign is going to be another tough one:

"Financially we are probably bottom two but budget doesn't always matter," he said.

"It's about what you have in your building and what we have here, in terms of spirit and connections, shows we will have a go at it."

Asked whether he had been set a target for the new season, the Manchester-born manager said: "I haven't been given a target yet by the club, maybe that will happen before Saturday.

"In all honesty though our target is to be competitive in every game. We have to focus on what we can control and that is making sure every game is competitive."

Burton Albion host Mansfield Town on the opening day of the League One season

Burton didn't register their first league win last season until 9 November and have not won their opening game of a campaign since the 2021-22 season.

"The plan is to try and change the narrative around how we start," Bowyer said. "It means a lot to me, our fixtures are very competitive in the first month."

The 54-year-old signed a contract extension in June through to 2027 after initially being contracted until 2026.

Burton recently saw the departure of striker Romarn Burrell to Queens Park Rangers for a fee that BBC Derby Sport understands to be just over £1m.

Bowyer is hopeful of getting a replacement in. "I certainly hope we can use some of the money, perhaps not all of it," he added.

"We knew it was potentially going to happen so we have been looking at options. We lost out on one today. That's something you have to just get used to."

Burton get their League One season under way on Saturday, 2 August at home against Mansfield Town.