Notts County manager Martin Paterson has dismissed any special excitement about facing his former club Huddersfield Town this weekend. The 39-year-old boss, who made 29 appearances and scored six goals for the Terriers between 2013 and 2015, insists his preparation remains unchanged for the League One clash.
Paterson made his comments ahead of the September 5 fixture at the John Smith's Stadium. His team heads into the match sitting 12th in the League One table with 7 points from their opening five games, recording one win and four draws. Their recent form reads DDWDD, having scored 7 goals and conceded 6 for a +1 goal difference. They currently trail leaders Sheffield Wednesday by 5 points in the title race.
Martin Paterson was unequivocal about his feelings. "I never get excited. I don’t know if you’re surprised at that," the Notts County boss said. "My prep is the same as it always will be. They’re obviously going very, very well - top of the league, I believe."
He described Huddersfield Town as a "powerhouse of this division" and acknowledged the overall toughness of League One. Paterson stated that his team is looking forward to the game in isolation and will prepare thoroughly for it. "We’ve prepared thoroughly. I do enjoy the games and the team at the moment is growing," he added.
The Magpies come into this match following a 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers earlier in the week. Paterson noted that his team equalised in the second half of that match but identified areas for improvement. He said the team needs to stay calm and avoid trying too hard to win by playing too direct. The manager suggested they should have passed more in certain moments during the Doncaster game.
This steady start to the season sees Notts County positioned mid-table. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on the club's standings and fixtures pages. The next home game after Huddersfield is against Bradford City on September 12, with Bradford currently sitting 4th in the table.
Martin Paterson enjoyed a two-season spell with Huddersfield Town during his playing career as a forward. His time at the club spanned from June 2013 to January 2015, making him familiar with the environment his team will face. That personal history adds a layer of narrative to the fixture, though Paterson himself downplays its significance.
His focus remains squarely on Notts County's performance and development. The manager's pragmatic approach reflects his experience in the game, both as a player and now in the dugout.
This match represents a significant early test against the division's pace-setters. Facing the league leaders away from home will provide a clear measure of Notts County's capabilities under Paterson's leadership. The outcome could influence momentum ahead of that important home fixture against Bradford.
The team's ability to maintain composure, as Paterson emphasized, will be vital against a Huddersfield side riding high. Notts County's next match is at Meadow Lane against Bradford City on September 12.
