Yates: Burton can be caught

The Blue Square Premier front runners bid goodbye to Clough, who left to take over at Championship Derby County this week after 10 years service. He was immediately replaced by former Rams boss Roy McFarland.

While the tale of the non-league boss gone to the big club is an encouragement for Yates and other bosses at his level, one talking point is whether the wheels will fall off Burton's challenge without their legendary boss.

Should that come to pass, the likes of Harriers - who sit fourth - would go all out, with the carrot of the only automatic promotion spot into the Football League the prize.

Despite a 15-point gap between his side and the table toppers, Yates insists they can be caught.

He said: "I don't think this will see the wheels come off for Burton's title challenge. They have a big lead and have brought in a good replacement in Roy, so the uncertainty is effectively over for the players.

"That said, I still think they can be caught at the top of the league. It will take a monumental effort from someone, but of course they can. We are certainly going to give it our best shot."

The Harriers boss had praise for Clough, who finally ended his time as a non-league boss after a decade with one club, practically unheard of in the modern age.

Yates has had a fair stint at Aggborough, celebrating his third year in charge this month.

He has nothing but respect for what the new Derby boss has done.

The Aggborough chief said: "The move is great for Nigel and he deserves it. Good luck to him. He has been given a lot of time to build something there and he leaves them top of the league by some margin.

"They finished in the play-off's last season and are going one better this season."