Born in Stockport, Patching joined the Academy at Manchester City at the age of six.[4] He signed a two-year contract with Notts County on 1 July 2018.[5] "Magpies" manager Kevin Nolan said that "when we spoke to a couple of people at Man City they were surprised Will had been released".[6] Patching had rejected a transfer move to Derby County only six months previously.[7] He picked up an injury in pre-season.[8] He made his professional debut on 14 August, coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for Noor Husin in a 3–3 draw at Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup; County lost the subsequent shoot-out despite him converting his penalty.[9] He made his first start at Meadow Lane on 9 October, in a 2–0 defeat to Newcastle United U21s in the EFL Trophy.[10] He made a total of ten appearances during the 2018–19 campaign as County were relegated out of the English Football League with a 23rd-place finish in League Two. On 12 August 2019, manager Neal Ardley stated that Patching could go out on loan to gain experience and match fitness,[11] but Patching left the club by mutual consent two days later.[12]
On 22 November 2021, it was announced that Patching had signed a two-year contract with Derry City following the expiry of his contract at Dundalk, from the 2022 season.[16]
Port Vale assistant manager Dave Kevan described Patching as a "very promising young player" who was a very "creative" midfielder, "very comfortable in possession, [who] likes to join the front man and get forward".[3]
Career statistics
As of match played on 28 June 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition