Martin Paterson Targets Fifth Unbeaten Game as Notts County Prepare for Gillingham

Pleased Jones is fit, he’s vital for how we play when it comes to creating space and going forward.

The way Martin Paterson frames this match is spot on. He sees it as a great challenge rather than something to be intimidated by. That’s the mindset we need to grow. I also think the cultural shift he described is really important. Players choosing to stay behind for extra practice is a sign of hunger and responsibility. That can only improve standards. I was impressed too by the level of detail around training methods, with video work and repetition. It sounds basic but that’s what sharpens players. Defensively, we still have work to do, especially at set-pieces. If the recent adjustments hold up, we’ll give ourselves a better chance. Today feels like a real opportunity to show progress.

I like how Martin Paterson spoke about the team behind Matthew Dennis’ goals. It shows he values the hard work across the pitch, not just the striker finishing chances. The training culture sounds promising too, with players staying behind after sessions. That sort of attitude should help us improve further, especially in games like the one coming up against Gillingham.

What stands out is how Paterson talks about accountability. At first, he had to drag players out for extra practice, but now they are choosing to stay behind. That’s a big cultural change. It shows the squad is buying into his way of working.

I also liked the honesty about set-pieces. He admitted we were weak there earlier in the season, but says adjustments have been made. That’s refreshing to hear. If we can tighten up against Gillingham’s long throws, we’ve got every chance of extending the unbeaten run.

What I like most about Matt Dennis is how he looks beyond the goals. You can tell he’s driven, but he keeps saying the wins are what matter most. That attitude is rare and it sets the right tone for the squad. The award for Player of the Month is deserved, but it’s good to hear him say it’s just a bonus. Against Gillingham, we’ll need him at his best, because they’re strong defensively and don’t give away many chances. With Alassana Jatta now fit, there’s also more balance in our attack, which means defenders can’t just focus on Dennis. It feels like a big moment for us, and he’s the player to watch.

Lucas Ness returning soon is massive, our defence needs that extra depth.

Good to hear Jodi is fine, because we really need his creativity and direct play. That’s been a worry since he went off during the international break. Paterson’s update settles that concern. Also, it’s noticeable how he respects everyone at the club, even talking about Roberto’s departure with balance. It shows he’s professional and understands his role. When he says his job is simply to coach the team, it’s clear he won’t get distracted by off-field matters. For me, the most encouraging part is how he sees the Gillingham game. Instead of fearing them, he sees it as the perfect challenge. That sort of mindset spreads belief. Hopefully we can prove ourselves against the leaders.

I think Paterson’s comments on fitness were telling. He said Dennis needed to be a lot fitter when he arrived in pre-season, but now he’s worked on it. That explains the improvement we’ve seen in recent weeks. It’s also important that the manager admitted where the team had been poor with set-pieces.

Many would avoid that, but he owned it and spoke about the adjustments. It’s small things like this that can make a difference when you’re competing near the top. I’m also encouraged that Ness is close to a return. We’ve lacked a bit of defensive cover at times, so his comeback can’t come soon enough. Today is a real benchmark for where we stand.

Paterson is right, it’s the best challenge we could ask for right now.

Martin Paterson has the right approach with Matthew Dennis. Strikers get the headlines, but the whole team creates the platform. The way he linked Dennis’ success to the squad shows he sees football as a collective game. You can also sense that Paterson is pushing Dennis to keep improving, rather than letting him settle.

That’s the right way to handle a player in form. His mention of filming training and encouraging players to work individually stood out. Twelve staying behind after the session suggests there’s a strong mentality building. This kind of detail makes me believe Paterson is laying proper foundations. Gillingham away will be a huge test, but the preparation feels like it’s in the right place.

Matt Dennis looks sharp and potentially this season's best signing. Good to see Martom Paterson keeping him grounded and focused. The set-piece work is needed, Gills will be tough from dead balls.