Notts County manager Martin Paterson has dismissed any special sentiment ahead of facing his former club Huddersfield Town this weekend. The 39-year-old, who played 29 games for the Terriers between 2013 and 2015, told reporters his approach remains strictly professional.
Paterson made the comments this week as his League Two side prepare to travel to the Accu Stadium on Saturday, September 5. Huddersfield Town enter the fixture in strong form, currently sitting second in League One with 11 points from five games. Their recent run of DWWDW has them just one point behind leaders Sheffield Wednesday, having scored 10 goals while conceding only four.
What did Martin Paterson say about Huddersfield Town?
Martin Paterson was clear that facing Huddersfield Town does not stir extra emotion. "I never get excited," the Notts County boss said. "I don’t know if you’re surprised at that. My prep is the same as it always will be." He acknowledged the challenge ahead, describing Huddersfield as "a powerhouse of the division" who are "performing very well."
His focus is entirely on preparing his current team for what he expects to be a tough encounter. He stated that Notts County are looking at the game in isolation and have prepared thoroughly for the specific challenge.
How are Huddersfield Town performing this season?
The Terriers' strong start to the campaign provides the backdrop for this fixture. With three wins and two draws from their opening five matches, Darren Moore's side have established themselves as genuine promotion contenders early in the season. Their +6 goal difference is among the best in the division, reflecting both an effective attack and a solid defence.
Fans can track the team's progress in the standings as the season develops. This consistent form makes Saturday's match a significant test for the visiting Magpies, who currently compete in the division below.
What is Notts County's recent form?
Paterson's side arrive following a 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers earlier in the week. The manager offered a frank assessment of that performance, suggesting his team lost their composure in pursuit of a winner. "We almost tried too hard to win by playing too direct in moments when I thought we should have passed a little bit more," Paterson explained.
He noted that his team got back into the game against Doncaster but failed to stay calm. Despite this, he sees signs of growth within his squad and believes there is still improvement to be made. Paterson emphasised that his team are not looking behind them and are fully focused on the upcoming challenge against Huddersfield Town.
What can we expect from the match?
The fixture pits a high-flying League One side against a team from the league below, creating a classic cup-tie atmosphere. Paterson has made it clear that his Notts County team will prepare for the challenge and look forward to the game, even while recognising its difficulty.
For Huddersfield Town, maintaining their early-season momentum is key as they chase automatic promotion. The full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead, making a positive result against lower-league opposition important for confidence. Paterson's insider knowledge of his former club adds an intriguing subplot, though he insists it won't affect his tactical planning.
The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday at the Accu Stadium, with Huddersfield Town aiming to protect their strong defensive record of just four goals conceded in five games.
