Paterson 'respects owners' decision' on Gagliardi

Notts County have won three and lost two of their first seven league games under Martin Paterson

Notts County head coach Martin Paterson says his responsibilities will not be affected by Roberto Gagliardi's departure, five months into his tenure as director of football at the League Two club.

Gagliardi, who moved from an initial role as head of football as part of a summer restructure, was part of a new technical board that included Paterson and club owners Chris and Alex Reedtz.

"In football, I'm never surprised," said Paterson, speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham.

"I know that sounds quite brutal but things happen so quickly. I have to respect the owners' decision because, ultimately, they're the owners and they've had success and run the club.

"I also have respect for Roberto for the work he's put into the window, the team, the club and myself. I 100% wish him well for his future endeavours."

"There's no change - the owners have a remit for me and things I'm responsible for, which is simply coaching the team.

"There are things I don't have an impact on and never will, because I know how hard my job is to deal with the players."

Dennis 'has propelled himself to be better every day'

New forward Matthew Dennis, who joined Notts three weeks before Paterson's appointment in June, was named the League Two player of the month on Friday after contributing five goals and an assist in August.

"I'm conscious I need to stay on top of Matthew because I know what he reacts well to," Paterson said of the 23-year-old.

"I'm really pleased that he's taken constructive criticism and coaching and propelled himself to be better every day.

"I quickly assessed that he needed to be a lot fitter and still does. He's worked hard on that aspect.

"Matthew's done really well but it's also just being cautious to understand that his job is to score goals and lead the line and work hard for the team."

Dennis will seek to add to a tally of six goals in his past five games when 10th-placed County visit leaders Gillingham, who are four points above them, on Saturday (15:00 BST).