Martin Paterson insists that the hard work must continue as Notts County prepare for their League Two opener away at Newport County.
The new head coach, who replaced Stuart Maynard following last season’s play-off semi-final defeat, spoke candidly ahead of his first competitive game in charge.
While the atmosphere around the club has been buoyant, Paterson admitted his own focus remains firmly on preparation rather than emotion. “Yes, I think I'd be a liar if I get as excited as everybody else does,” he said. “At this moment, as a head coach, it's not excitement. It's almost a double checking of everything that you've done.”
He acknowledged the excitement within the squad, however. “They’re ready now,” he said. “I think they just want the game to come around as quickly as possible.”
Reflecting on pre-season, Paterson said he felt “very settled” at the club and in the area, but admitted that assessing the squad was initially difficult due to the unfamiliar opposition faced during the friendlies. “Over the last two games, I've seen enough to know that, okay, I think I'm pleased with the group at this moment.”
This summer has seen ten new arrivals at Meadow Lane, including trialist Keanan Bennetts and loanee Jayden Luker. On Bennetts, Paterson said, “He's come in on trial and deserved a contract… that aligns with the kind of characters I want, people that earn the right to play for Notts County.”
Luker’s arrival followed a longer period of tracking. “Monitoring him for a while, that's been ongoing… delighted to get it done before the season starts.”
Though pleased with the current group, Paterson confirmed the club is still active in the market. “We're still working and actively collaborating as a recruitment team to get some targets over the line in the next few weeks.”
Looking ahead to the clash with Newport, Paterson said that early season analysis can be tricky but took steps to minimise that. “I actually went to \[their] game in person… so I'm aware of Newport.”
He admitted the nature of an opening day fixture makes it unpredictable. “I'd be a liar to say I know exactly what's going to conspire, but we're ready.”
On the subject of pressure and expectations, he was clear-eyed. “If you play for Notts County, you've got to be at peace with that and it should be a challenge that you're ready to get your teeth into.”
While he acknowledged the importance of a good start, Paterson struck a note of caution. “One swallow doesn't mean a summer… it’s being emotionally balanced to understand that.”
Asked what success looks like, Paterson avoided bold predictions. “We want to get into the highest position, highest league we can… but if you look too far ahead, you trip up over your feet.”
He also spoke about the club’s much-discussed collaborative structure, insisting that the decision-making process remains clear. “I make all decisions on the team, substitutions and how we go about it… but I'm not above being humble enough to discuss after, can we improve?”
When asked directly whether he sees Notts as promotion contenders, Paterson didn’t hesitate. “I do. Strongly do. But… if we don't perform in the first five games to those levels that we should do, then we're not going to be. Talk is cheap.”
As the Magpies prepare to begin their campaign in Wales, Paterson’s message is simple: focus, honesty and hard work.
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