MARTIN Paterson has been appointed as the new manager of Burton Albion FC.
The former Burnley and Northern Ireland striker enjoyed coaching experience in America before joining Head Coach Michael Duff as his assistant at first Barnsley in League One and then Swansea City in the Championship.
He was born in Staffordshire and began his career at Stoke City.
Paterson will work with the current backroom staff at the Pirelli Stadium which includes Gary Mills who has been acting as caretaker manager since Dino Maamria left the club on December 9.
Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson said: “We are delighted that Martin Paterson has agreed to join the football club. He brings great experience as a player and as a coach and we believe he’s the right candidate to become our new manager.
“We were impressed with Martin’s vision for the future and his understanding of what we are all about as a football club and at 36, we see the same abilities and potential that we have successfully recognised when we appointed Neil Warnock, Nigel Clough and Gary Rowett as young managers.
“I want to thank Gary Mills and the rest of the backroom staff for looking after first team affairs for the last month and I’m sure they will continue to play valuable roles in supporting Martin as we go forward.
“The priority now is on making sure we secure our League One status and then start building for the future of Burton Albion and I hope our fans will be as excited as we are about the appointment and will give Martin a great welcome and their full support.”
Martin Paterson said: “I am honoured to be appointed manager at Burton Albion FC. I am excited to join this club and I am fully aware of the passionate fan base having been born and raised in Staffordshire.
“I have developed my coaching over several years and have extensive experience of being an assistant coach at first team level most recently at Inter Miami, Barnsley and Swansea. I am ready to take this step and make the natural transition to manager.
“I relish the opportunity to work hard and want to have a team that fights for the badge and excites us all.
“My staff and I will work hard to implement a framework and freedom to win games of football for the club and its community.
“I know I have been brought in with a short-term objective to ensure League One survival and I will do everything I can to achieve this.”
Gary Mills said: “I want to welcome Martin to Burton Albion and say how much I’m looking forward to working with him.
“I also want to thank the Chairman for the privilege and opportunity to look after the first team since December 9 and to be able to start the process of negotiating the ins and outs during the transfer window.
“It has been an honour for me to be caretaker manager of this football club and I’m now relishing the chance to work with Martin and continue giving my full support to Burton Albion.”