Exclusive: Barnsley eye swoop for League Two manager, he has outperformed his budget this season
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(Credit: Imago) Wed 22 April 2026 13:10, UK League One side Barnsley are interested in Notts County manager Martin Paterson as their new head coach to succeed Conor Hourihane, sources have told Football Insider.Paterson is one of the names in the frame to take over at Oakwell, with the 38-year-old knowing the club well having previously been assistant manager to Michael Duff.The Tykes have identified the Magpies’ boss as a clear candidate to replace the outgoing Hourihane, who recently confirmed that he will be leaving the club by mutual consent at the end of the campaign. Paterson has impressed at Notts County this season by guiding the club into the play-off places, despite only having the 12th biggest budget in League Two.His work at Meadow Lane has seen Barnsley take a liking to him, after he previously helped Duff lead the Yorkshire outfit to the League One play-off final back in 2022-23.
Barnsley want familiar face to spark League One upturnBarnsley have endured a frustrating season on the pitch this term, as they have failed to kick on towards the League One play-off places after a 12th-placed finish in 2024-25. LeagueGamesWDLWin %League Two442371452.27%League One20531225%Paterson’s managerial record in the EFL, as per Transfermarkt.His departure has already been sealed at the end of the season, and Barnsley are hoping to reunite with Paterson as another familiar face in the dugout.
He narrowly steered the Brewers clear of relegation in League One on that occasion, but could now be on the verge of a return to the third tier with Notts County.Barnsley have been keeping a keen eye on his progress in Nottingham, and they are hopeful of being able to make a move for him. Barnsley are set to enter their fifth straight season in League One next term, and they are keen to begin working their way back towards the top six.Their next appointment is set to be crucial to their ability to achieve that, and they have already shown their admiration for Paterson and his work. ⚽ League One Insider Access Direct access to our dedicated League One hubs: 24/7 intelligence from boardroom to dugout