Former Burton Albion manager Martin Paterson has emerged as a name under consideration in Sheffield Wednesday’s search for a new head coach.
The Notts County boss has been linked with the vacancy by the Daily Mail, with the Owls looking for a successor to Henrik Pedersen.
Paterson Recently Committed His Future To Notts County
Paterson signed a new deal at Meadow Lane in September, extending his contract until the summer of 2029. That agreement followed promotion from League Two in his first season in charge and means the reported interest comes only weeks after he committed his future to the Magpies.
The 39-year-old took over in June 2025 and led Notts to a 3-0 play-off final victory over Salford City at Wembley, ending the club’s 11-year absence from League One. By the time of this week’s report, his record stood at 31 victories, 16 draws and 21 defeats from 68 matches in all competitions.
His contract extension was accompanied by an endorsement from owners Chris and Alex Reedtz. In a statement reported by BBC Sport, they said:
“He’s implemented an ambitious culture within the football department and is meticulous in his approach to training and match preparation.”
Burton Albion Gave Paterson His First Managerial Role
Burton provided Paterson’s first opportunity to lead a senior side when they appointed him in January 2024. He kept the Brewers in League One before departing in May, ending a spell that lasted less than five months.
After leaving the Pirelli Stadium, he joined Huddersfield Town’s coaching staff before returning to a head coach role with Notts the following summer. Earlier work alongside Michael Duff had taken him to Barnsley and Swansea City, while he also held coaching positions in the United States.
He had previously played in the Premier League with Burnley and represented Northern Ireland. His playing career also included spells at Stoke City and Huddersfield, giving him experience across several levels of the English game before he moved into coaching.
Challinor Also In Frame At Hillsborough
The Daily Mail report also identifies former Stockport County manager Dave Challinor as the favourite for the vacancy. Challinor previously worked with Wednesday sporting director Simon Wilson at Edgeley Park, providing a connection between another reported candidate and the club’s recruitment setup.
Matt Hamshaw is currently overseeing first-team matters on a caretaker basis and took charge of Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Cambridge United. Wednesday sit ninth in League One after 12 matches, two points behind Reading in the final play-off position.
Paterson’s name adds an employed League One head coach to a search that also features an experienced manager currently out of work. His contract at Notts provides a different backdrop to Challinor’s availability as Wednesday weigh up their next appointment.
