Burton Albion has announced that Nigel Cough has stepped down as Brewers boss with Jake Buxton stepping up to succeed him and become player-manager.
Assistant manager Gary Crosby and Chief Scout Simon Clough also leave their positions at the League One outfit.
Nigel Clough started his second spell with the Brewers in 2015, guiding the club to the Championship.
His first spell lasted between 1998 and 2009, and which most notably included a goalless FA Cup draw against a Manchester United side who brought on Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as second half substitutes.
He also won the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2001–02, the 1999/2000 Southern League Cup, the Southern League Championship Shield in 2000 and seven Bass Charity Vases between 2002 and 2008.
Buxton joined Burton in the 2008/09 campaign when the Brewers won promotion to the Football League.
The defender then moved to Derby County with Clough in 2009 and made over 140 appearances for The Rams before returning to the Pirelli Stadium in 2017 via a stop a Wigan Athletic.
Speaking about the news, Clough said: “It has been an incredible two decades for Burton Albion and it has been a pleasure to share those times with everyone and I want to say a big thank you to all the players, coaches, staff and supporters for being a massive part of that.
“From winning the Unibond, to gaining promotion to the Championship and then against all the odds surviving for another year was beyond all our wildest dreams. It’s with great sadness that Gary, Simon and I have decided to step away. We are now looking forward to our next challenge in football wherever and whenever that is.
“We couldn’t leave the club in better hands than with Jake, who as captain has shown himself to be a respected leader on and off the pitch. It’s a great opportunity for him and there is no better club at which to make your start in management.”
Buxton stated: “I want to thank the Chairman (Ben Robinson) for giving me this tremendous opportunity. It’s an immense honour to follow in the footsteps of Nigel Clough who has achieved so much in the game, especially here at Burton Albion, and who has helped me progress throughout my career.
“I hope that I can now help bring more memorable moments to Burton Albion in the seasons to come.”
Brewers chairman Ben Robinson added: “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.
“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.”
Clough will step away from the manager’s position in the coming weeks before Buxton takes over once his current contract expires.
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