Notts County's Martin Paterson Prepares Intensely for FA Cup Clash
Martin Paterson explains the reason behind his 'grumpy' T-shirt at home.
The Notts County head coach is gearing up for Saturday's FA Cup match against non-league Brackley Town with the same seriousness as if he were facing Premier League leaders Arsenal.
At 38, Paterson acknowledges his intense nature and regards the FA Cup as the most prestigious trophy at the club level.
“My wife mentioned that people were considering getting me a grumpy T-shirt, which I found a bit unfair since I already own one,” he told BBC Sport. “I have a Snow White 'Grumpy' shirt that my daughter loves to see me wear at night.”
“Sometimes I come across as intense because I strive to push the group to continuously improve. If anyone can be more intense than me about a game, good luck to them.”
His coaching career began at Stoke City under Tony Pulis, whom he described as “hellbent” on winning the FA Cup. Drawing from both Pulis's approach and his experience playing under Eddie Howe at Burnley, Paterson values the significance of a cup run for a club.
“I believe it’s the best domestic competition in the world, providing players an opportunity to face opponents they might never encounter otherwise,” Paterson shared with BBC Radio Nottingham. “However, it’s also essential to approach the game against Brackley with humility, as it will be a challenging match.”
He emphasized the need to treat this game with the same respect as facing Manchester United or Arsenal, viewing it as a chance to advance to the next round.
Notts County's match against Brackley Town, who are 36 places lower in the English football hierarchy, will mark Paterson's debut as a manager in the FA Cup. Previously, he served as an assistant to Michael Duff at Huddersfield Town, where they were eliminated by National League side Tamworth.
With Notts County’s historic FA Cup win dating back to 1894, Paterson is aware that they are perceived as a significant target in this competition. “We have a proud history, having won it long ago, and it’s a cherished memory for the club,” he noted.
“Others see Notts County as a respected club, especially at the League Two level, and as the oldest professional football club, I understand we may be viewed as a target. However, I am prepared for that. There are no excuses from me regarding being a target; it’s simply a game of football, and we will not alter our preparation.”
Paterson seeks consistent performance from his players, wanting them to maintain the form they've shown in a recent unbeaten run that has seen Notts win three out of four league matches in October, propelling them to fifth in League Two and just two points off the top.
“I take pride in being the head coach of Notts County and recognize the responsibility that comes with it,” Paterson expressed. “That’s why I may come across as an intense, grumpy individual, even when we win. It’s essential we don’t let our standards slip, and I am committed to continuously improving both myself and the team.”