Burton Albion have officially confirmed the arrival of Martin Paterson as their new head coach, ending a month’s search to appoint a successor to Dino Maamria.
The former Brewers gaffer was sacked in December with Albion nineteenth in the table, just three points above the relegation zone. They had lost their last six league games since consecutive wins over Cambridge United and Lincoln City in mid-October.
Paterson arrives with a small amount of coaching experience behind him, mainly across the Atlantic in America. He had assistant roles with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Fort Lauderdale and Inter Miami. A move back to England came eighteen months ago with Barnsley as Michael Duff’s assistant, before moving to Swansea City with the former Burnley man in the summer.
Speaking to the club’s website, the former Stoke forward said: “I am ready to take this step and make the natural transition to manager. I relish the opportunity to work hard and want to have a team that fights for the badge and excites us all.”
“I know I have been brought in with a short-term objective to ensure League One survival and I will do everything I can to achieve this.”
The Brewers have had a revival of form in recent weeks, particularly enjoying the festive season. Back to back one nil wins over Blackpool and Shrewsbury Town saw them take six points from nine over Christmas. Now they are on a run of only one loss in five in the league, with that defeat coming at the hands of promotion chasers Bolton Wanderers.
That form can be attributed to Gary Mills, who has taken temporary charge since Maamria’s departure. Albion’s chairman Ben Robinson confirmed that he will remain part of the backroom staff at the Pirelli Stadium under the former Huddersfield Town man.
The 36-year-old faces a tough first test in his first outing, travelling to local neighbours Derby County live on Sky Sports on Monday evening.
Writer’s View
This seems an appointment in keeping with Paterson’s predecessors, although his lack of first-team management will be a worry for Burton Albion fans. But his backroom staff have been taking charge for the past month, so he should be able to easily find himself right at home. With the January transfer window open, he’ll have plenty of time to sign players before the month ends.
Ben Robinson referenced the appointment of Nigel Clough and Gary Rowett in the past at the early stages of their managerial journeys. If he can have a similar impression then Paterson should be able to steer the Staffordshire outfit away from the drop zone.