Martin Drury is a forthright character who admits that never in his life did he envision himself as a head coach. While he did briefly manage Bradford Park Avenue in the National League North during the 2015/16 season, that stint came shortly after he hung up his boots and he soon slipped out of the public eye. Over the ensuing decade he quietly assembled a diverse coaching résumé, holding roles at Boston United, Bradford City, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Valencia. Today, back in his hometown of Huddersfield, he finally holds the top job in his own right.
An interim spell that began in March earned him a two‑year contract in May, and he now leads the Terriers in their quest to escape League One. In an interview with Sky Sports, Drury traced his journey from the Spanish top flight to the English lower leagues, explaining how his experiences abroad shaped his philosophy. He first crossed paths with fellow English‑born Spaniard Carlos Corberán when Drury was at Bradford and Corberán was still with Leeds United.
Their professional rapport deepened in August 2024 when Drury accepted a position as an individual coach at West Brom, working under Corberán’s leadership. “From the moment we met, I sensed a shared work ethic,” Drury recalled. “We both believed that everything you achieve comes from hard work, and on the football side we were on the same page about how to develop players.” When Corberán took the helm at Valencia on Christmas Eve 2024, Drury followed him within days, abandoning a promising Championship play‑off push to help the Spanish side stay in LaLiga.
The pair enjoyed an almost fairy‑tale start, leading Real Madrid at the Mestalla until the 85th minute on 3 January 2025, before Luka Modrić equalised and Jude Bellingham netted a dramatic 96th‑minute winner. Drury described that night as a career highlight: “Preparing for that match, I knew I wanted to be in an environment where I could test myself against the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Bellingham and Modrić.
Winning 2‑1 at the Bernabéu in the dying seconds was unforgettable, and the bond we forged with the fans was extraordinary.” Although Valencia later fell short against Barcelona, Drury cherished the chance to train against world‑class talent and learn from some of the best managers in the game. He noted, “When we arrived the club was at the bottom of the table, yet we finished the season flirting with European qualification, picking up points against giants along the way. That turnaround was special.” In July 2025 Drury returned to England, joining Keith Andrews’ staff at Brentford as an assistant first‑team coach. His tenure was brief; after only three Premier League fixtures he departed in early September.
Club director of football Phil Giles praised his contribution, saying, “Martin played a vital role in laying the groundwork for the season ahead.” Drury echoed the sentiment, lauding Brentford’s professionalism and Andrews’ managerial acumen, but also acknowledging that sometimes a coach must decide whether a particular environment is the right fit. “The conversations were open and honest, and I’m delighted with how they performed last season. I truly believe they’ll be even stronger this year,” he added.
The short spell in west London forced an unexpected pause in Drury’s career. He moved back north to be nearer to family, admitting with a hint of humor that it was the first time in twelve years he spent any significant period away from football – a break he “absolutely despised.” Yet the hiatus proved productive, allowing him to reconnect with old acquaintances, broaden his perspective and challenge his own thinking.
Opportunities arose elsewhere, but Drury declined, feeling he needed more time before jumping back in. Fortune smiled again when Liam Manning, a familiar face from Drury’s past, invited him to Huddersfield.
“I’d known Liam for a while and Huddersfield holds a special place in my heart, so I was eager to join and help build something special,” Drury explained. In January 2026 he was appointed Manning’s assistant manager, and by late March, alongside former striker Jon Stead, he assumed charge of the first team while Manning took compassionate leave following the tragic death of his newborn son Theo in October 2024. During Drury’s interim stewardship, Huddersfield recorded two wins and four draws from seven matches, ultimately missing the League One play‑offs by eight points.
Nevertheless, the club announced on 27 May that Drury had earned the permanent head‑coach role, describing him as the “outstanding” candidate for the job. Despite his earlier reluctance to pursue a solo managerial career, Drury embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. “I love coaching, I love being on the training ground, I love working with players. When I’m passionate about a particular way of working, a culture and an environment, I feel compelled to lead from the front,” he said.
Reflecting on the challenges of the previous season, Drury noted that while there was some turbulence, the atmosphere remained positive and the staff were genuinely committed to the club’s success. He praised the recent transfer window, saying it allowed the side to address weak spots and that the existing squad appreciated the improvements. “There’s a process of building connections as new players arrive – that always takes time – but we have a humble group of men driven by development, a winning edge and a competitive spirit.” Drury’s vision for Huddersfield is rooted in the identity of the north. “When I stand on the touchline I want to see a team that embodies Huddersfield’s spirit – players who run, give everything, and play with the grit that northern fans expect,” he affirmed.
As a native of the region, he understands the expectations of the supporters and believes that with the right attitude and personnel, success is inevitable. Looking ahead, Drury is focused on fostering a culture of hard work, resilience and collective ambition. He plans to blend experienced heads with promising youngsters, ensuring that every training session reinforces the club’s core values. By instilling a sense of pride in representing their town, he hopes to ignite a fervour that will translate into results on the pitch and, ultimately, propel Huddersfield back into the Championship.
The upcoming Burton‑vs‑Huddersfield clash on Sky Sports+ (Saturday 3 October, 3 pm) offers a chance for the new manager’s ideas to be tested in a competitive setting, while fans can also try their luck in the Super 6 draw for a chance at a £1 million prize.