Notts County head coach Martin Paterson has put pen to paper on a new contract at Meadow Lane, tying him to the League One club until the summer of 2029, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old was appointed County boss in June 2025 and wasted little time in making his mark, guiding Notts back to the third tier at the first attempt via the League Two play-offs last season. His reward is a long-term deal that reflects the confidence owners Chris and Alex Reedtz have placed in his methods.

A steady return to League One

Paterson arrived at Meadow Lane with a profile as a former striker of some note, having represented Stoke City, Burnley and Northern Ireland during his playing career. His first senior management role came at Burton Albion, which makes his appointment at Notts all the more noteworthy given that he beat his former club during their early-season programme this term.

County's return to English football's third tier has been measured rather than spectacular. They drew four of their opening five League One fixtures, a run that prompted Paterson himself to play down any suggestion that the team had hit its ceiling. Saturday's home defeat by Bradford City was, according to the BBC report, their first league loss since 18 April, underlining how solid the defensive base has been across a long stretch of matches.

In all, Paterson has won 28 of the 61 matches he has overseen since taking charge, a record that the Reedtz brothers clearly regard as the platform for something more substantial.

Owners back long-term vision

In a statement issued alongside the contract announcement, Chris and Alex Reedtz were fulsome in their assessment of what Paterson has built at the club.

"We've established an excellent working relationship with Martin, who is a very strong head coach," the owners said. "He's implemented an ambitious culture within the football department and is meticulous in his approach to training and match preparation. The high standards and expectations he sets fully aligns with our vision for the club."

The statement also singled out the contribution of assistant Andy Edwards, goalkeeper coach Sam Slocombe and the wider backroom staff, suggesting the new deal is as much an endorsement of the structure Paterson has assembled around him as it is a recognition of results alone.

What the deal means for County

Continuity is a commodity that League One clubs often struggle to secure, and Notts County will be aware of that. A contract running to 2029 gives Paterson a genuine runway: long enough to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion out of the third tier, and long enough to absorb the inevitable difficult periods that come with re-establishing a club at this level.

Notts have already been active in the transfer market this window, with the signing of Aaron Longelo from Salford City among the incomings, while the departure of goalkeeper Kelle Roos on a mutual basis and Jodi Jones's move to Bromley have reshaped the squad. The manager's new deal provides a clear signal to any further targets that the club's football strategy is settled and supported from the top.

County sit in the League One table with their first defeat now absorbed and a clear challenge ahead: Paterson's task is to convert a side capable of long unbeaten runs into one that can sustain a promotion push over the course of a full season in the third tier.

Frequently asked

How long is Martin Paterson's new Notts County contract?
Paterson's new deal runs until the summer of 2029, keeping him at Meadow Lane for the foreseeable future.
What has Martin Paterson achieved as Notts County manager?
Since taking charge in June 2025, Paterson has won 28 of his 61 games in charge and guided Notts back to League One via the League Two play-offs at the first attempt.
Who owns Notts County and what have they said about the new deal?
Notts County are owned by Chris and Alex Reedtz, who described Paterson as a very strong head coach who has implemented an ambitious culture that aligns with their vision for the club.