McGrath: Buxton Won't Be Taking Anything For Granted

9 Jul 2024 By Tom Scott

John McGrath says his Buxton side can't take their new full-time status for granted in their quest for promotion.

The Bucks' boss - appointed last month after an eight-year stint in charge of Mickleover Sports - won promotion to the EFL with Burton Albion back in 2009 as a player.

Back then, the 44-year-old says the Brewers used their underdog status and a siege mentality to get on.

McGrath admits the National League North is possibly the strongest it's been in recent times.

Despite tying down stars like Diego De Girolamo and Josh Granite, McGrath says they won't be counting any chickens ahead of the kick-off on August 10.

"The league is getting stronger," he told the Buxton Advertiser.

"With the English talent being pushed down the leagues given the amount of overseas stars in the Premier League, that has a knock-on effect and makes the whole National League so much more competitive.

"We need to use the advantage of being full-time. At Burton, we were the underdogs all the time but had to use that to our advantage and developed a bit of a siege mentality.

"You can have all the money in the world but you still have to have the right kind of players that can gel properly and fit into the club and into your system.

"My group of players will represent the chairman, the club, the supporters and the community, but also themselves."

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