Martin Paterson: Burton Albion boss learns valuable lessons in Derby defeat
- Published
Martin Paterson started his coaching career in the United States, where he had a stint as Inter Miami assistant manager
Martin Paterson says he learned a lot about his Burton Albion side as they were overcome by high-flying Derby County in his first match in charge.
Conor Hourihane's injury-time volley gave Derby a 3-2 win after Burton had battled back from 2-0 down to level.
Defeat came just four days after ex-Swansea and Barnsley assistant manager Paterson was named Brewers boss.
"It's my first game as a manager and I'm okay with that, in terms of what they gave me," he told BBC Radio Derby
"I learned a lot about the group.
"When you lose as a manager, it is easy to look at the negatives but I can't be critical of the group.
"I'll take the result on the chin, I'll front up, but the performance and what they gave me, and they have given me everything, I'm proud of them."
Burton's eighth defeat in 13 league games - a run that includes just two wins - leaves them just two points and five places above the relegation places.
It was also the first time Burton have managed to score more than one goal in a League One match during that time.
Paterson, a former Burnley and Northern Ireland striker, says he "doesn't like losing" and that the defeat "hurt" him, but the second-half fight back saw his side deliver the level of entertainment he wants at Burton..
After James Collins doubled Derby's lead with his 17th goal of the season after the break, Steve Seddon responded immediately with a fine low finish.
Manchester United loanee Joe Hugill then came off the bench to score on his Brewers debut, setting up a thrilling finish on a freezing night at Pride Park.
"When I interviewed for the job and when I explained to the players what our and my team identity would look like, one of the words was exciting," he said. "And I thought that was an exciting game.
"Now I want to be on the end of a good result.
"This group needs to believe because they are better than what they think, they really are.
"In the second half especially, we saw a group that is staring to believe in themselves and showed what they are capable of."