Exclusive: Why Don Goodman thinks the pressure is on Martin Paterson at Notts County already | OneFootball

Don Goodman has had his say on Martin Paterson's Notts County appointment

EFL pundit Don Goodman believes that Notts County's promotion ambitions mean that Martin Paterson will need to hit the ground running at Meadow Lane.

Martin Paterson is back in management for just the second time in his career as the former Burton Albion head coach took the role of Notts County boss going into the 2025/26 season.

However, Notts fans haven't taken to this news too kindly, due mainly in part to his record whilst in the dugout at the Pirelli Stadium.

Paterson won just five of his 20 games as Burton boss, as the club slumped from 17th upon arrival to 20th at the culmination of the season. The Brewers managed to stay in League One at the end of his tenure, but only just, surviving by a mere two points.

His arrival at Notts County comes off the back of Stuart Maynard's sacking following their play-off semi-final defeat to AFC Wimbledon, and if a play-off berth isn't enough to keep his job at Meadow Lane, Paterson will almost be expected to finish inside the top three next season.

Therefore, former West Brom and Wolves striker Don Goodman believes that it is imperative that the new boss gets off to a good start.

Don Goodman believes that "brutal" Stuart Maynard sacking puts instant pressure on Martin Paterson

Don Goodman acknowledged the reception of Notts County fans upon the hiring of Martin Paterson in an exclusive interview with Football League World.

"Martin Paterson's appointment hasn't been met with wholehearted approval," he said. "But at the end of the day, he's got the job, and he would have made a great cause for himself with the interview committee.

"It's important he gets off to a good start because Notts County are very ambitious and they want to be promoted to League One."

Notts County finished inside the play-offs for the first time since their return to the EFL last season, with Stuart Maynard helping sure up their defence in his first full season in charge, after Notts conceded the most goals in League Two in 2023/24.

However, the club did win just one of their final six league games, and a decent run-in could have seen them earn automatic promotion, finishing just six points shy of third place.

Goodman felt that this was still a good first full campaign at the helm for Maynard, though, and was quite shocked by his sacking.

"They sacked Stuart Maynard off the back of a losing play-off campaign, which many felt was harsh and brutal to be fair, in their quest to get into League One," he said.

"Therefore, the pressure will be on [Martin Paterson] from day one, there is no doubt about that."

The pressure is on for Martin Paterson in a tough League Two next season

League Two is always seen as a very competitive league, but next season may be one of the most unpredictable yet.

Alongside the four relegated sides from League One, Notts County will be battling it out with a rejuvenated MK Dons, who look favourites to win the whole thing, a Colchester United side who will be looking to take their mid-season purple patches and have them last a full season.

Chesterfield, who made a darting late run into the play-offs, will be promotion hopefuls, and Crewe Alexandra, for opposite reasons, too, as they aim to put a truly terrible second half of 2024/25 behind them and go again. Then there's Walsall, who are a true enigma following a campaign with incredible highs and devastating lows.

So there will be plenty of competition next season, and all eyes will be on Martin Paterson and how he can take Notts County to the next level and land a place in that top three.