Jake Buxton's path to management was forged during his years with Mansfield Town

On Monday the 35-year-old was named as boss of League One Burton Albion, after Nigel Clough stepped down from dug-out duties.

Buxton's new role is no fluke, instead the product of years of hard work and studying the game.

“I started as a young lad at 18 playing in Mansfield Town’s first team but also taking the Level 2 qualification with Chris Beardsley and coaching at Mansfield Town Centre of Excellence," said the former Derby County and Wigan Athletic defender, who will officially begin his role when his playing contract with the Brewers expires this summer.

"From a young age I knew the natural step for me after playing would be to stay in football.

“I have always had that interest in being a manager somewhere down the line, so I went on to do the B and A licences while coaching in Derby County’s Academy.

"I have also worked closely with Dan Robinson and his staff at our academy with the under 18s when gaining the A licence.

“I had been given the chance by the manager to take defensive duties during training, which will stand me in good stead.”

Buxton was a product of the Stags' youth system, going on to make 151 first-team appearances between 2002 and 2008.

He was the club's youngest ever captain, and youngest in the Football League, during his time at Field Mill.

Burton chairman Ben Robinson indicated that the club's financial situation, following the coronavirus pandemic, played a part in Clough, assistant Gary Crosby and chief scout Simon Clough departing.

“The impact of the coronavirus has changed football and given me a chance earlier than I expected but going into management is always something I was preparing for, and now this chance has come I feel ready for it," Buxton told Albion's official website.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the chairman for giving me this great opportunity to manage Burton Albion.

“During this past eight weeks or so as the captain I have spent lots of time talking with the chairman. We have been trying to get a resolution to this crisis that protects the club and is fair to the players.

“What I’ve witnessed is his desire and passion to ensure there is still a football club at the end of all this as far too much effort and progress has been made for it to fail.

“I intend to give it my all off the pitch as I have always done on it, to repay the faith the club and chairman has shown me.”

Buxton may be concentrating on the management side, but he isn't ready to hang up his boots yet.

He added: “I can be on the grass each day with the players which will be helpful as well as me being in that dressing room for the last three seasons.

"In terms of me playing, I don’t hide away from the fact that I was slowing up and I will not play every week but there might still be a time where I might be needed to help the team.

“I know it will be a massive challenge but one I’m really looking forward to.”