Jevan Anderson hopes to use his new Burton Albion deal as a springboard to more first-team action.
The young defender capped his first season in full-time football with a new one-year contract and he hopes to further his progress under player-boss Jake Buxton.
Anderson made the switch to League One side Burton last summer after a trial period. He had playing Highland League football with Formartine United, where his father Russell is assistant manager and his uncle, Paul Lawson, is manager.
The 2019-20 season saw him make his senior debut in a 3-1 EFL Trophy win over Crewe Alexandra in September, which was followed by his league debut in a win over MK Dons a month later.
He made three appearances in total and featured in 24 match-day squads for the Brewers, with hopes he can see more game-time next season.
Anderson said: “I was very happy to be offered that deal. Although it was big for me to make my debut, I’m looking to be a bit more involved in the playing side. I was involved in quite a few squads last year so I’m looking for some more game-time. But that’s down to me.
“It’s been really enjoyable. There’s been a lot of good experiences; it was a big thing to go in training full-time and get up to standard. It took my body a bit of time to get used to but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, play full-time.”
✅ Cup debut in September
✅ League debut in October@Anderson3Jevan #BAFC pic.twitter.com/9w7nFhL044— Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) October 7, 2019
“Getting up to the speed of play and the way people think – they’re a lot sharper, especially strikers. Particularly for me as a centre-half. I feel like I’m getting used to it and I’m now up to the speed of it all.”
Anderson feels he has benefitted greatly from Buxton’s influence, with the experienced defender taking over as player-manager after the resignation of Nigel Clough in May.
He added: “People like Jake, who’s now player-manager, he’s been very helpful. He’s had a good career as a centre-half and he’s given me some pointers. Coming from someone who plays in your position and has had a good career, those pointers are invaluable.”
The 20-year-old came back to Aberdeen in March before lockdown set in, with the League One season in England brought to an early finish. He has kept a close eye on the fortunes of his former side at Pitmedden.
Anderson said: “I look for their result most weekends to see how they’re getting on. Last year probably wasn’t the greatest season – they were inconsistent but from what I’ve seen, they have all the players to put a very good run together in the league. Hopefully they’ll be back up higher in the table.”
