Rumour: Vale close on Paterson?
Rumours from the Bristol area have suggested that Vale may have beaten Bristol City to the signing of striker Martin Paterson.
Editorial Note
This feature contains rumour and speculation. All of these rumours should be treated as unconfirmed gossip until any move is officially announced by the club itself. We make no apologies for publishing some rumour and gossip (after all, even the state broadcaster, the BBC, publishes a daily Football Gossip column) but we’d just like to reiterate that this feature should not be treated too seriously.
Paterson spent time on loan at Ashton Gate last season and social media chatter on Bristol City forums suggested Paterson was set to be unveiled as the side’s fifth signing on Wednesday.
However, the Robins unveiled Crystal Palace veteran Aaron Wilbraham instead and with manager Steve Cotterill now turning his attention to defensive and midfield targets, it looks like City’s interest in Paterson is over.
On the other hand, Vale’s interest in the Northern Ireland international is arguably even greater then when OVF first tipped the striker as a potential target back in May. Since then, both Gavin Tomlin and Jordan Hugill have left leaving Tom Pope and Ben Williamson as the side’s only recognised strikers.
Paterson is reportedly unsettled at parent club Huddersfield Town; he left to join Bristol City on loan to get first-team football and he is unlikely to be in the first-team picture at Town this season (with striker Harry Bunn joining this summer and another forward also set to join).
The 27 year-old also has strong links with the Potteries having been born in Tunstall and after an unsuccessful trial at Vale, beginning his career with neighbours Stoke City.
Paterson would potentially give Tom Pope a proven strike partner. Paterson has scored in the Premier League and at International level and netted 19 goals for Burnley in 2008.
Martin Paterson Factfile
Age: 27
Height: 5.10
Clubs: Huddersfield, Scunthorpe, Burnley, Stoke City
Loans: Grimsby, Bristol City
Appearances: 194+65
Goals: 65
International Caps: 22
Trivia: He once failed a trial with the Valiants when a schoolboy