Martin Drury is a refreshingly candid figure who admits that becoming a head coach never featured on his personal agenda. While he briefly took the reins at Bradford Park Avenue in the National League North during the 2015‑16 season—just after hanging up his boots—he quickly slipped back into the shadows. Over the following ten years he assembled a varied coaching résumé, holding roles at Boston United, Bradford City, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Valencia. Today, back in his hometown of Huddersfield, Drury finally commands a senior position in his own right.
An interim spell that began in March earned him a two‑year contract in May, and he now oversees the Terriers’ bid to climb out of League One. In an interview with Sky Sports, Drury reflects on a career that has taken him from the Spanish top flight to England’s lower leagues, and on the philosophy that underpins his approach.
He first crossed paths with Spanish coach Carlos Corberán while both were working at Bradford—Drury with the club and Corberán at nearby Leeds. Their professional chemistry blossomed in August 2024 when Drury was hired as an individual coach at West Brom. “From the moment we met, I sensed a shared work ethic,” Drury recalls. “We both believed that everything you achieve comes from hard work, and on the football side we were aligned in what we could accomplish with players, despite our different cultural backgrounds.” When Corberán accepted a role at Valencia on Christmas Eve 2024, Drury followed him within days, swapping a promising Championship play‑off push for the challenge of keeping Los Murcielagos afloat in LaLiga.
The pair enjoyed a 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 96th‑minute winner. “Preparing for that match made me realise I wanted to be in an environment where I could test myself against the world’s best—players like Kylian Mbappé, Bellingham, Modrić,” Drury says. “Playing them again at the Bernabéu later that season and winning 2‑1 in the final minute was the highlight of my career, and the connection we forged with the fans was extraordinary.” Although Valencia were languishing at the bottom of the table when Drury arrived, the side surged toward a Europa‑League‑qualifying finish, picking up valuable points against giants and proving that a well‑drilled squad could compete with elite opposition. In July 2025 Drury was lured back to England, joining Keith Andrews’ staff at Brentford as an assistant first‑team coach.
However, after just three Premier League fixtures he departed in early September. Director of Football Phil Giles praised his impact: “Martin played a crucial role in setting us up for the season ahead.” Drury echoed the sentiment, describing Brentford as “an amazing club with brilliant people” and noting that “sometimes in football you have to assess whether the fit is right for both you and the club.” The brief West London stint forced an unexpected hiatus in Drury’s career. He moved north to be nearer his family, enjoying his first real break in over a decade. “I hadn’t had a proper pause for 10‑12 years, so stepping off the hamster wheel was surprisingly productive,” he admits, citing renewed connections and fresh perspectives.
When Liam Manning reached out with an invitation to join Huddersfield, Drury seized the opportunity. He had known Manning for some time and felt a strong emotional tie to the club that represents his hometown. In January 2026 Drury was appointed Manning’s assistant manager.
By late March, after Manning took compassionate leave following the tragic loss of his newborn son Theo, Drury and Jon Stead assumed caretaker duties. Under their guidance Huddersfield recorded two wins and four draws from seven games, narrowly missing the League One play‑offs by eight points. On 27 May the club announced Drury’s permanent appointment, describing him as the “outstanding” candidate for the role. Despite his earlier reluctance to seek a head‑coach position, Drury now embraces the challenge wholeheartedly.
“I love coaching, I love being on the training ground, I love working with players,” he says. “When I believe strongly in a particular culture and way of working, I realise I may need to lead from the front. The opportunity presented itself, and the decision was clear.” He notes that even when the season’s end brought a degree of turbulence, the environment remained collaborative and focused on improvement. “There are many people who want the best for the club,” he adds, highlighting the recent recruitment window that allowed the squad to be strengthened.
Drury emphasises the importance of building relationships within the team, acknowledging that integrating new signings takes time. “We have a humble group of men who, every day, are driven by development, a winning edge and a competitive mindset.” He also stresses his desire for the side to embody the spirit of the North. “When I stand on the touchline, I want to see a team that truly represents Huddersfield—players giving everything, running with passion. As a northern lad, I understand what the fans expect.
If we deliver that, I genuinely believe success will follow.” The Terriers’ upcoming clash with Burton Albion on Sky Sports+ this Saturday at 3 pm offers a chance to see Drury’s philosophy in action as Huddersfield aim to turn ambition into results and restore themselves to the higher tiers of English football.