Notts County Appoint Ex-Burton Boss As New Head Coach

Notts County have appointed former Burton Albion boss Martin Paterson as their new head coach.

The League Two club have been without a head coach for a month since Stuart Maynard was sacked following their play-off semi-final defeat by AFC Wimbledon.

Former Northern Ireland international forward Paterson, 38, had a brief spell in charge of Burton in the second half of the 2023-24 season, helping them narrowly avoid relegation from League One.

Notts director of football Roberto Gagliardi told the club website, external that he was “hugely excited” by Paterson’s appointment.

“In our conversations with him it’s been clear that he shares our vision of playing dynamic, progressive football and, as much as the club’s DNA will remain the same in terms of our desire to dominate the ball, we believe he may bring more intensity and directness to our play,” Gagliardi said.

“Martin wants his teams to be extremely hard-working, well-organised and difficult to play against – characteristics which were key to his success at Burton having become their manager in very challenging circumstances.

“We believe we can provide the environment for Martin to demonstrate his true capabilities as a head coach.”

Burton were 17th in the table when Paterson took over, following which they won just five times in 20 games – enough to narrowly avoid relegation.

They ended up finishing 20th – one place and two points above the drop zone – although then Brewers owner and chairman Ben Robinson admitted Paterson had taken over “under very difficult circumstances”.

After beginning his career with home town club Stoke City, former Burnley, Huddersfield Town, Blackpool, Port Vale and Tampa Bay Rowdies striker Paterson worked as a number two in England and the United States, including a stint alongside Phil Neville in Miami.

When appointed by Burton, Robinson said he saw the “same potential” in Paterson that he did in Neil Warnock, Nigel Clough and Gary Rowett – who were all appointed by Albion as up-and-coming managers.

Notts owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz said Paterson had “demonstrated immense passion, determination and ambition – underpinned by a fixation on winning” during talks over the job.

Andy Edwards will be Paterson’s assistant head coach, with keeper Sam Slocombe extending his stay at Meadow Lane by becoming first-team coach.