Notts County head coach Martin Paterson says his squad is looking “light” heading into the first competitive games of the new season.
Notts have made nine summer signings so far, including bringing in Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper on loan on Monday.
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Since the Magpies’ promotion to League One via May’s Wembley play-off final, 10 players have departed Meadow Lane, among them Matthew Dennis, Oliver Norburn and top scorer Alassana Jatta, who has joined Portuguese top‑flight side Casa Pia.
“We’re light in terms of numbers,” Paterson admitted to BBC East Midlands Today before Cooper’s signing.
“I can concede that we haven’t got League One experience littered through the squad. We recruit towards a data model, which is something that isn’t factored in.
“There’s always an element of needing experienced players who know what they’re getting into.”
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Notts County owners Alex and Christopher Reedtz also run analytics company Football Radar, and the club’s recruitment strategy is built around data and statistical modelling.
Paterson has repeatedly stressed his role is to coach the players he is given rather than drive recruitment.
“I’m clear on what I would’ve wanted, but ultimately we are data‑driven in our recruitment,” he said. “There’s a fairness to say when you are the head coach, you have to coach with the players you’re working with. It’s exciting for the players who have to step up.
“It’s not about what I want in terms of players, it’s about what the data shows and what the club sees value in. We need players, and that’s the message I’ve been consistent with.”
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Notts revealed before their final pre‑season friendly at Walsall that nine first‑team players are currently injured, including Wembley promotion hero Jodi Jones and new signing Max Sanders.
“We’ve picked up injuries, so we need a good amount of players in to help this team,” Paterson added. “I respect the club and the ownership, it’s not about firing shots, but my feelings about positions and profiles of players have been strongly made to the people above me.”
Notts County begin their season with a trip to Turf Moor to face Paterson’s former club Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Saturday before hosting relegated Leicester City in their League One opener a week later.
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