Cobblers boss Wilder is a fan of the ‘Burton model’

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s men are already promoted from Sky Bet League Two, and host Northampton on Saturday (ko 3pm) hoping to claim the win that may clinch them the league title.

That is something Wilder is determined to ensure doesn’t happen, saying ‘I don’t want anybody celebrating in front of me’, but the Town boss is an admirer of the Brewers, believes they are the best team in the division, and says they are ‘a good model’ of how to be a successful lower league club.

“Burton have been tough and resolute all season, and they have had a consistent team to pick from,” said Wilder.

“They have had consistent performers, and the results have showed they are the best team in the league.

“They will be desperate not to let up and make sure they see the season out in style and win the league.

“Burton have been building for a couple of years, and when you look at teams like ourselves and Plymouth, that is what we’re trying to do.

“We are not absolutely awash with cash, but we have a competitive budget.

“Burton went close last year, the year before they were in the play-offs, so it has taken then two or three years to get their squad right to make a push.

“They have had a season of progression, and have gone from losing semi-final, to losing a final to getting promotion, so it is a good model to go by.”

And the Cobblers boss continued: “We want to do what they’ve done, you don’t want a boom and bust situation where somebody comes in and chucks a lot of cash at it and then can’t sustain it.

“Burton have done it sensibly, they get value for money out of their players, and they have gradually got together a group of players and made it better, whether that be on the training ground or by bringing in better personnel.

“I’m not sure it’s a model, because everybody has their own identity and way of going about things, but if you improve every year and climb the table, then something is going to happen.

“One of these days you are going to get out of the league, and that is what we are looking to do.

“We have gone from a position last year to a position this year, and we want to go into the summer to better our position next year. That is the key to success.”