From Written off to Flying High - How Martin Paterson has got Notts County Pushing for the Title

Martin Paterson's dramatic turnaround at Notts County!

When Martin Paterson walked into Meadow Lane back in June, as Notts County’s new head coach, many fans and pundits wondered whether he was the right fit to end the club’s third consecutive season in League Two without promotion. What followed has been nothing short of outstanding.

County have surged into the top three of the League Two table, and are firmly in the title conversation. But this isn’t a story of overnight luck, it’s a blueprint for revival that blends targeted recruitment and a growing belief that success isn’t just possible, it’s probable.

According to the League Two standings, County sit third with 61 points from 33 games, nearly two points per match, and holding a goal difference of +20. They’ve scored 52 goals and conceded just 32 this season, a striking contrast to past campaigns where defensive frailties undermined attacking output.

But how did Paterson turn this club, once written off by some critics, into a genuine title contender?

What Changed on the Pitch?

The biggest difference is balance. In previous seasons, Notts County could score goals, that was rarely the issue. But they often conceded at the wrong moments, lacked control in tight matches, and struggled to manage leads. The numbers now tell a different story.

This season, County are averaging close to two points per game and have significantly improved their defensive record compared to previous campaigns. They’re conceding fewer than a goal per match, a crucial metric in a division where fine margins define promotion races.

At the other end, the attacking output remains strong. County are averaging well over 1.5 goals per game and have multiple players contributing consistently rather than relying on a single talisman, like they have in recent years with Jatta, McGoldrick and Jones. That distribution of goals makes them harder to defend against and less vulnerable to dips in individual form, and of course the signing of Matthew Dennis helped.

Jodi with our fourth 💫 pic.twitter.com/NzsQPjIvM2

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) February 22, 2026

Paterson has implemented a clearer tactical identity. The build-up is more controlled, with midfielders recycling possession rather than forcing vertical passes too early. Out of possession, County are more compact, pressing in defined triggers rather than chasing shadows. That organisation has reduced transitional chaos, a weakness in past seasons.

Perhaps most importantly, game management has improved. In matches where they take the lead, County now look calmer. They slow tempo when needed, draw fouls and manage phases intelligently. That maturity is often what separates play-off hopefuls from automatic promotion sides.

Statistically, their goal difference reflects that shift. It’s not just about scoring more, it’s about conceding fewer in the process. That swing alone can be worth 8–10 points across a season.

Is This a Tactical Evolution or a Mental One?

It’s both, and that’s why it feels sustainable. Tactically, Paterson has built a structure that protects players. Defenders aren’t exposed as frequently. Midfielders have clearer roles. Forwards know when to press and when to conserve energy. There’s cohesion where previously there was chaos.

But the psychological shift might be even more important. In past campaigns, Notts County occasionally folded in big moments. Dropped points against fellow promotion contenders. Conceded late equalisers. Struggled to bounce back from defeats. This season, the response to setbacks has been immediate. They’ve strung together winning runs at crucial periods and turned tight fixtures into narrow victories rather than frustrating draws.

That resilience is visible in performance trends. When County fall behind, they don’t unravel. When they go ahead, they don’t panic. Those are subtle shifts, but they show up in points totals. There’s also depth in the squad that supports this mental growth. Multiple attacking players are contributing goals. Rotation hasn’t dramatically weakened performances. That competition breeds standards, and standards drive consistency.

📈 @CambridgeUtdFC & @Official_NCFC climb in to the top three!#EFL | #SkyBetLeagueTwo pic.twitter.com/ueOdjvowYW

— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) February 21, 2026

The title race in League Two is rarely straightforward. It’s attritional. Form swings wildly. But County’s statistical profile, strong defensive record, healthy goal difference, consistent scoring output mirrors that of previous champions at this level. And then there’s the intangible belief. Meadow Lane feels different. There’s less anxiety in the stands, more expectation. That energy feeds the players, and the players respond. Momentum in football is fragile, but right now County have it and they’ve earned it. What makes this run particularly impressive is that it hasn’t relied on dramatic overhauls or reckless spending. It’s been built through refinement. Marginal defensive tightening. Smarter pressing. Better in-game adjustments.

Promotion races are defined in March and April. That’s when fatigue creeps in. That’s when pressure mounts. But County’s current trajectory suggests they’re equipped to handle it. Their points-per-game rate keeps them firmly in the automatic promotion conversation. Their goal metrics align with top-three sides, and their defensive consistency gives them a platform even when the attack misfires.

Martin Paterson hasn’t just improved results, he’s raised the floor. Even on off-days, County look competitive. That’s the mark of a serious team. From written off to flying high, this isn’t a lucky streak or a brief surge. A side that once looked fragile now looks formidable. A club that once hoped for promotion now expects it.

The League Two title race remains tight, and there are twists to come. But one thing is clear: Notts County are no longer outsiders in the conversation. They are very much in it and under Martin Paterson, they look built to stay there.