Having overseen first team training alongside Michael Duff today, new assistant head coach Martin Paterson spoke with iFollow Barnsley.
A forward in his playing days, the 35-year-old shared a dressing room with Duff at Turf Moor for five years, so already has a strong relationship with the Barnsley boss.
“I’m delighted,” exclaimed Paterson. “Obviously, I know the club very well – I played against Barnsley for many years and followed the progression over the last couple of years from the United States of America, where I worked.
“So, I’m delighted to be here and join Michael’s staff.
“I think he’s done fantastically well as a manager and he gave me a call and wanted me to join his staff and join such a good club, so there was no hesitation – I thought it was a great opportunity.”
His previous coaching roles have seen him work behind the scenes at Tampa Bay Rowdies, Fort Lauderdale and, more latterly, Inter Miami CF in the MLS, where he was assistant to Phil Neville in Florida.
Paterson is hoping to use the experience gained in America and implement those traits at Oakwell alongside Duff.
“I think the most important thing is that within a team and humility and hard work, it means a lot more than individual talents,” he continued.
“My last role at Inter Miami CF, we had some superstar players, but the most important thing and thing that I learnt the most is that we got the best results when we had the group working together and moving in the correct direction, and I think that’s something that can transition over to this team.”
Heading into the new season, Paterson is aiming to help generate a feel good and collective atmosphere around the camp with everyone pulling in the same direction.
He has a strong belief in our Head Coach’s philosophy and ideology, and is optimistic of a positive campaign with the Reds.
“I think the most important thing is to keep their expectations reasonable and mine is to support Michael; he’s on a really good trajectory as a Head Coach and the most important thing is I’m here to support him and do what he needs me to do on a daily basis,” he surmised.
“From that will come hopefully results and this team growing.”
