Burton Albion have appointed 36-year-old Martin Patterson as their new manager in his first role.

The Brewers, sat 17th and just five points ahead of Reading in League One, sacked Dina Maamria over a month ago.

Paterson, a lower-league journeyman, has had time as assistant manager to Barnsley boss Neill Collins and former Swansea City manager Michael Duff but is yet to take charge of a team himself.

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.”

Reading travel to the Pirelli Stadium in April- the final away match of the 2023/24 season.