Brentford head coach Dean Smith was full of praise for Burton counterpart Nigel Clough and believes he was harshly treated at Derby and Sheffield United.
The fact the Brewers, who were favourites to be relegated at the start of the season, are above the bottom three in March is impressive.
And Smith knows that they will provide his Brentford side a stern test when they travel to the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday.
He said: “It's very impressive. To get promoted last season was impressive enough and a lot of people had them in the bottom three.
“In the last six games they've been very good but they've been tough all season. I expect nothing but a tough game.
“They got a draw at Sheffield Wednesday and beat Nottingham Forest in their last game. Nigel has got the best out of them.”
Clough has previously had spells at Derby and Sheffield United, taking the Blades to the semi finals of the League Cup and FA Cup during his time in Yorkshire before he returned to Burton, where he had spent 11 years in charge previously, in 2015.
For me, he's been unfairly treated at Derby and then at Sheffield United where he took them to the semi finals of the League Cup. They're doing well this season but to get rid of somebody who took them to the League Cup semi finals is strange. We've always had good battles but sat, shook hands and had a drink after.
Mention the name Clough and most will think of Nigel's father Brian, who took Nottingham Forest to two European Cups.
Clough Sr was also a fine footballer in his time and Smith has respect for Clough Jr in stepping into his father's shoes as a player then a manager.
Smith said: “Everyone thinks of Brian Clough the manager but I think people forget the player. His goalscoring record was frightening.
“Following in your fathers footsteps is a tough act to follow and Nigel did that at Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and England and now he's gone into management and he's doing very well. He's done really well at Derby and Sheffield United.”
