Peschisolido relaxed about early success

By James Fielden

Peschisolido took over at the Pirelli Stadium in May

Burton Albion manager Paul Peschisolido is revelling in his first managerial role and is delighted that the players who earned the club promotion to the Football League are leading the way.

The former Canada international striker was the surprise choice to take over the at the Pirelli Stadium in the summer.

But last season's Blue Square Premier champions have made an impressive start to life in League Two and currently sit just outside the play-off places.

"We could have uprooted the team following promotion and bought way more players in than we did but we felt these players deserved a chance," said the former Stoke and Birmingham forward.

"Our team is all about hard work and team spirit - something that so far has worked for us, so I'm happy with the way it's ticking along."

But, the 38-year-old is also very mindful of the fact that Albion must not waste their impressive start to life in the Football League.

It took the club 10 years to get to this stage and we don't want to lose it Paul Peschisolido

"It took the club 10 years to get to this stage and we don't want to lose it," he added.

"We are picking up results because we are playing well. We are not over or underachieving and so far it's gone well. No one is looking long term at this stage."

Peschisolido took over at the Pirelli following a short spell as assistant manager at St. Patrick's in Ireland.

"I'm really enjoying it," he continued. "It's a new challenge for me and it's something I've wanted to do for a long while.

"Travelling to and from Ireland all the time wasn't ideal and I wanted to take the next step from being an assistant because I loved doing it so much.

"It got to the point where I wanted to do things my own way and be my own man.

"There's a lot of stress and pressure but so far I'm enjoying it."

However, despite Burton's great start to the season, Peschisolido still feels he has a lot to prove.

Nigel Clough spent a long time laying the foundations for the club's promotion before taking the manager's job at Derby County.

My job is to get the best out of the players and I think I'm going the right way about it Paul Peschisolido

And Peschisolido, who succeeded Roy McFarland as Brewers boss, acknowledges the fine work done by Clough.

"Nigel had been here for a long time and did a great job. It was a tough act to follow," said the ex-Derby man.

"I have a belief in the way I like things done and I have great staff alongside me. I knew if we bought our own ideas in and tried not to copy what had already been done then we would do OK.

"As a manager it's important to be honest with players and be in constant contact.

"I like to get to know the players on an individual basis and see who needs a pat on the back and who needs an arm around their shoulder.

"My job is to get the best out of the players and I think I'm going the right way about it."