Barnsley backed to seal Notts County, Martin Paterson appointment | OneFootball

Barnsley are reportedly eyeing a move for Notts County boss, Martin Paterson, who has caught the eye in League Two this season.

Barnsley will be looking to improve on what has been a disappointing season on the whole, which has ultimately seen Conor Hourihane relieved of his duties in charge at Oakwell.

The Tykes are currently sat 13th in the League One table with two games remaining in their season, and the club's supporters will be desperate to see their side mount a serious challenge for promotion into the Championship next term.

Hourihane had been in charge permanently of Barnsley since April 2025, after his interim spell was turned into a long-term deal with the Yorkshire-based side.

However, a poor run of results since the turn of the New Year has seen Barnsley call time on his time with the club, and they're seemingly wasting no time in trying to find his potential successor this summer.

It's been reported by Football Insider that Notts County boss, Martin Paterson is top of Barnsley's wishlist, although it remains to be seen as to how far along the Tykes are with any potential agreement.

Martin Paterson's early managerial career

Paterson had a strong playing career, particularly in the EFL, most notably, with Burnley. He then stepped into coaching with some American clubs, which came after a brief spell with Barnsley.

Then, he took charge of Burton Albion in 2024, where he left the club after guiding them clear of relegation in League One at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Football League World's Barnsley fan pundit, Andy Symcox reacted to news of Paterson's links with Barnsley, and looked back with fondness on his time with the club as an assistant to Duff.

"Martin Paterson started his coaching career under ex-Barnsley head coach, Neil Collins in February 2020. They went on to a couple of other U.S clubs, Fort Lauderdale and Inter Miami. He came back to England in 2022, to be at Barnsley as Michael Duff's assistant coach. Between them, they did a good job at Oakwell, narrowly missing out on promotion into the Premier League."

"When Michael Duff left at the end of that season to go to Swansea, Martin went with him. Subsequently, being appointed for a short space of time at Burton Albion where his record was not particularly positive."

Verdict issued on Martin Paterson amid Barnsley links

Paterson has caught the eye with Notts County, as they're fifth in the League Two table, and looking as though they'll be playing in the play-offs at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

If the Magpies are to win promotion into League One, then it would be interesting to see whether Paterson is tempted with a move to Barnsley, especially when they're a club that he knows well.

Symcox went on to issue his verdict on Paterson's time in charge of Notts County so far, and admitted that he would have no problem with the 38-year-old being appointed as Conor Hourihane's successor.

"He moved on to Notts County a year ago, and he's done very, very well.

"They're close to promotion from League Two into League One, and I personally, would have no particular problem with Martin coming back to Oakwell, as he has had some experience elsewhere, both in the USA and the Football League."

For now, Paterson will be focused on the task at hand with Notts County, which continues with a hugely important clash against Colchester United this weekend.

Barnsley haven't got anything to play for between now and the end of the season, but they'll be eager to pick up three points against Luton Town, in what will be a tough test for the Tykes, especially when Luton have plenty to play for, as they target a top-six finish.