Burton Albion defender Stephen Warnock knows that survival is a crucial aim for the Brewers this season - and he is aiming to play a big role in helping to achieve that.

Warnock signed for Albion last week after his release from Wigan Athletic in May, after failing to keep the Latics in the division after being handed the captain’s armband following their promotion to the second-tier alongside Albion.

The former Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa defender has been drafted in to provide some more valuable experience to a back-line that is steeling itself for another testing Championship campaign.

His experience lends itself to these types of situations, and although Wigan were relegated last term, only Aston Villa conceded fewer goals in the bottom-half of the table last term.

The former England international knows what it takes to build a team and a defence that is capable of defending on that front - and it is not all about money.

With John Terry’s move to Aston Villa confirmed and rumours of Porto star Ruben Neves moving to Wolves, it is fair to say the Brewers aren’t operating on a completely level playing field when it comes to resources.

Sure, the Brewers might have broken their transfer record this summer to land Northern Ireland hot-shot Liam Boyce, but a fee around the region of £500,000 is a snip compared to the potential signing of Neves for an eye-watering £15 million – Wolves’ club record – and the £60,000 per week that Terry is reportedly set to be on at Villa Park.

"You have always got to aim to survive," said Warnock matter-of-factly of Albion’s ultimate target for the 2017/18 campaign.

Stephen Warnock spent time with Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa during his illustrious career
Stephen Warnock spent time with Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa during his illustrious career

"Like I say before, the clubs who are up at the top, you've probably got a top-10 of clubs who are going to spend a lot of money to try to get out of the division.

"I don't think you'll see Burton spending the type of money that the Aston Villas of the world are going to be spending.

"You know you have got to get a team spirit within the group and get as many honest lads in as you can.

"And you need players who've played within the league, to understand it and know what it's about, Saturday, Tuesday, and get through the games and stay within the league.”

Warnock also recognises the importance that team spirit can play in any success in football.

Albion have been proof of that over recent season – and their new full-back cited Leicester City’s famous 2015/16 Premier League triumph as another model to follow.

"It's huge," he added, when asked about how much the Brewers’ togetherness will again come into play.

"You only have to look at Leicester City when they won the league. A lot of that will have been built on team spirit.

Warnock believes that "team spirit" is key to the Brewers' chances of survival next term
Warnock believes that "team spirit" is key to the Brewers' chances of survival next term

"Yes, they had a way of playing as well, but their togetherness was there for everyone to see.

"And I think last year, looking from the outside in to Burton, you could see that from Burton as well.

"There was a massive team spirit, and hopefully you can come into that and just fit into it nicely."