Stephen Warnock believes Burton Albion find themselves in one of the toughest leagues in world football.

The Brewers are preparing for a second successive campaign in the Championship, having survived against the odds at the first time of asking last term.

Warnock is one of four new signings Nigel Clough has added to his ranks as he seeks to build another competitive squad for an unforgiving 46-game season.

Albion are again set to take on some of English football's biggest clubs, with the likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland, Leeds United and Derby County all likely to be looking at a promotion push.

Twelve months ago, Villa were in the middle of a £55-million spending spree following their drop out of the Premier League, with the likes of Ross McCormack, Jonathan Kodjia and James Chester signed to boost their bid for an immediate return to the top flight.

That is some indication of the challenge the Brewers face. Although they themselves broke their club-record transfer fee this summer for a figure believed to be around £500,000 to sign Liam Boyce from Ross County.

The other three new signings - Matty Lund, Jake Buxton and Warnock - were all free transfers.

Aston Villa splashed out on Jonathan Kodjia as they targeted a Premier League return

And former Derby County and Wigan Athletic full-back Warnock believes the desperation of clubs to break into the Premier League is what will make the Championship such a difficult proposition again in 2017/18.

"I think it's very difficult, with the teams that have come down from the Premier League and the teams that have come up from the other division," he said.

"You look at it and you've got to understand that this is one of the toughest leagues in the world now.

"The financial implications of getting out of the league to go to the Premier League - everyone wants to be part of that.

Stephen Warnock signed for Burton Albion in June 2017

"So you have got the big teams at the top who are willing to spend mega-money, but nobody wants to drop out of this division either.

"I think survival has got to be your main thing - I think that's a success for a club like Burton.

"Within the Championship, the amount of money that's getting thrown about, I think it'd be a great achievement."