Burton Albion gamble on Dennis to revive his league form

Burton Albion have secured the signing this summer of 24‑year‑old forward Matthew Dennis from League One rivals Notts County for an undisclosed fee, with the player committing to a three‑year contract that includes a further 12‑month option at the Pirelli Stadium.

Dennis arrived at Notts County last summer after departing Carlisle United and quickly became a sought‑after attacker, having recorded 14 goals and two assists for the Magpies last season. Burton reportedly had a bid rejected during the winter transfer window, underscoring their interest.

The forward’s résumé also includes spells at Carlisle United, Rochdale and MK Dons, and he was only twelve months into a three‑year deal with Notts when the move materialised. His three‑year contract with Notts featured a further 12‑month option, now transferred to Burton.

Despite the prolific tally, Dennis failed to score in the final two months of the League Two season, which saw him fall out of favour for Notts’ play‑off campaign. He was omitted from the two‑legged semi‑final and from the promotion‑sealing Wembley victory over Salford City.

Sporting director Richard Dorman said, “Matty is someone we’ve been following for a while now. He is a player who has played in this division before and has a strong athletic presence.”

Head coach Gary Bowyer added, “We want a squad full of players who are hungry to prove themselves, and Matty fits that profile perfectly,” and highlighted Dennis’s “genuine pace” and goalscoring nous.

Burton view the acquisition as an upgrade to the group’s quality, hoping Dennis’s pace and experience will bolster their attacking options, while the player gains a fresh platform after missing out on Notts’ promotion push.