When Martin Paterson steps out at Wembley for the League Two play-off final, his preparation won't involve tactical drills or team meetings—it'll involve chopping wood and listening to country music. The Notts County boss has a unique way of unwinding before the biggest match of his managerial career.

Paterson, 39, guided his side to a tense 1-0 aggregate victory over East Midlands rivals Chesterfield in the semi-finals, setting up a showdown with Salford City at the national stadium on Monday, 25 May. The second leg was a nerve-shredding goalless draw, but Paterson's defensive resolve saw his team through.

In his first full season at Meadow Lane—following a brief stint at Burton Albion in 2024—the former Stoke, Huddersfield, and Burnley striker has learned to manage the pressures of management. "I love getting out in the garden, and I just chop stuff down to be honest with you," he told BBC Sport. "I just make jobs for myself to take the mind off the pressure. It's not really pressure—there's lots of things in life that are pressure—but we want to be successful as a football club, so it just gives me that little bit of time."

Paterson's garden therapy will be accompanied by one essential soundtrack: George Strait. "The only one. He's a legend," he said of the veteran US country musician. While Strait's tunes will fill the air, Paterson will also lean on advice from former bosses with promotion-winning pedigree—including Sean Dyche, Eddie Howe (now at Newcastle United), and Tony Pulis, who managed Paterson during his playing days.

As the final countdown begins, Paterson is keeping it simple: family time, fresh air, and country music. It's a formula that's worked so far—and one that could lead Notts County back to glory.