Exclusive: Lee Hendrie tells Notts County what "will be key" to Martin Paterson success | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie believes that Notts County's new boss needs the supporters backing

Notts County recently ended their hunt for a new manager with the appointment of Martin Paterson.

The Magpies dismissed former boss Stuart Maynard following their play-off defeat at the hands of AFC Wimbledon.

It will be the 38-year-old’s first step back into management since his short stint as Burton Albion boss in 2024.

County supporters haven’t reacted well to this decision, with many hoping for a more ambitious appointment amid links to the likes of Jack Wilshere, Joao Alves, Adam Hinshelwood and Tobias Solberg.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and former Aston Villa midfielder, Lee Hendrie, believes that the Magpies’ faithful must get behind their new boss to maximise results next season.

Notts County supporters told to back Martin Paterson

“There's always a risk there because, you know, the fans are always going to want success,” stated Hendrie.

“There's no doubt that Martin's got to go in there and deliver. But it'll take a lot of fresh ideas and squad depth. That will be key to which players he decides to bring in.

“I think any appointment would have its challenges with him being a very young head coach.

“It could work for Notts County. I don't think it’s such a risk, if I'm being quite honest. The club will have done their work to see where he's at and what he's actually wanting to achieve.

“I think that the fans need to get on side and just realise the fact that they've got a new young head coach who could drive them forward in the future.”

Martin Paterson will be under pressure to perform immediately

Although Paterson deserves the benefit of the doubt during the start of his time as Notts County boss, there is significant pressure on him to perform immediately.

Maynard was dismissed after finishing sixth and coming off second best in their play-off semi-final. Therefore, it could be imagined that the 38-year-old has been tasked with promotion to remain in his post this season.

This is a task easier said than done, with the fourth-tier likely to be as hotly contested as ever. Paterson’s lack of experience as a first-team head coach certainly won’t benefit the Magpies and will have fuelled a lot of their supporters’ outrage.

If Notts County suffer a slow start, Meadow Lane may become an uncomfortable environment for the club’s new boss. Therefore, it can’t be understated how crucial a positive start is for Paterson and Co. next term.

Time will tell how the young coach performs in his new role, but he must use the remainder of the summer window wisely to best prepare himself for the task at hand.