A brief look back at Burton Albion Supporters FC
10 Dec 2010

Way back in 2002, a small group of Burton Albion fans came together to play 5-a-side every Friday evening at local sports halls in Burton. Little did they know, they had started the long process of creating an ever-growing (very)amateur Football Club.

It was February 2003 before a full 11-a-side team took to the pitch, known as Burton Albion Supporters Team(BAST). Eton Road Rec being their home, situated in the shadow of the mighty Eton Park's Main stand.

Surprisingly, the Club has not had a big turnover of managers with just 3-4 long(ish) term gaffers on the club records. Dan Francis, Dave Smith, Shane Roberts and current manager Liam Eaton. Each manager having their up's and down's. Dan left the side at one point, only for the team to eventually disband.

When Burton Albion were drawn up against Peterborough in the FA Cup, Dave Smith made sure that a return of BASFC would go ahead, only for a short time before Dan Francis eventually returned for his second spell in charge.

Burton Albion went on to play Manchester United in the cup, and BASFC followed by playing a team of Manchester United 'supporters'. The BASFC lads even got a brief appearance on television for this match!

As time went on, many players came and went(and retired too!). Shane Roberts eventually took over around 2006-2007 and undoubtedly led the club onto much bigger things, with Shaky playing an assistant's role for a large part of his reign. Lots more matches, lots more new players, lots more new opponents later and even BASFC's first ever piece of Silverware followed when they lifted the Champions Shield in 2008. Winning the final in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, beating teams such as Barnsley, Crewe and Buxton on the way. After quitting countless amounts of times, Shane and Shaky finally threw in the towel at the back end of 2008.

Liam Eaton immediately took over, with brother Justin Eaton as assistant. Liam Eaton soon took full charge when receiving little support and a remotely successful first season and a solid core of about 13-14 players had been Eaton's biggest success at the Club, with great results including a 6-0 win away at Northampton.

Earlier this year BASFC travelled to a Tournament in Coventry and only lost out to 3rd place in another penalty shoot-out, with Bury beating them. A poor start to this season's friendlies and after taking two beatings by old foes FC Albion. BASFC went to the other end of the spectrum in the league and out of 4 games, have lost 1 and won 3.

Work continues towards getting BASFC an official link with Burton Albion Football Club and a possible charity tie at the Pirelli Stadium at the end of the season. Fingers crossed!

Burton Albion Supporters Football Club grows ever stronger each season and with the backing of players and BAFC, can only go further!

To be continued...