Martin Drury is a no‑nonsense character who readily admits that never in his life did he picture himself as a head coach. While he briefly took the reins at 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 quickly slipped out of the limelight. 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. Now, back in his native town, he has been handed the top job at Huddersfield Town – first as an interim manager in March, then on a two‑year contract signed in May.
In this interview with Sky Sports he reflects on a career that has spanned La Liga, the Premier League and now the challenge of guiding the Terriers back toward promotion. Drury first crossed paths with Carlos Corberán while both were working in Yorkshire – Drury at Bradford and Corberán at Leeds. Their professional relationship deepened in August 2024 when Drury was appointed as an individual coach at West Brom, joining Corberán’s staff. “When I met Carlos, I immediately sensed a shared work ethic and a common belief that everything you achieve comes from hard work,” Drury recalls.
“On the tactical side we were on the same wavelength – we both had a clear vision of what we could accomplish with the players, despite coming from very different cultural backgrounds.” Corberán departed for Valencia on Christmas Eve 2024, and Drury followed only days later, taking up the role of his assistant. The pair abandoned a promising Championship playoff push to try to keep the Spanish side, Los Murcielagos, afloat in La Liga. Their early spell in Spain looked auspicious; they led Real Madrid at the Mestalla until the 85th minute on 3 January 2025, before Luka Modrić equalised and Jude Bellingham snatched a 96th‑minute winner.
“I remember preparing for that match and thinking this is exactly the environment I wanted – testing myself against the likes of Mbappé, Bellingham and Modrić,” Drury says. “Playing them again later in the season and winning 2‑1 at the Bernabéu in the final minute was the pinnacle. The bond we forged with the fans was extraordinary.” Although the team fell short against Barcelona, the experience of facing world‑class talent and learning from elite managers on a weekly basis left a lasting impression.
“When we arrived, the club were at the very bottom of the table. To finish the campaign just shy of a European spot, picking up points against giants, was something special,” he adds. In July 2025 Drury was lured back to England, joining Keith Andrews’ backroom staff at Brentford as one of the first‑team assistants. His tenure was brief; after only three Premier League fixtures he left the club in early September.
Director of Football Phil Giles praised his contribution, stating, “Martin played a vital role in laying the foundations for the season ahead.” Drury himself spoke highly of Brentford, describing the organisation as “outstanding from top to bottom” and lauding Andrews as “an unbelievable manager.” He also acknowledged that sometimes a coach must decide whether a particular environment is the right fit, noting the candid conversations he had with the club and expressing confidence that Brentford would continue to thrive. The sudden exit prompted an unexpected pause in Drury’s career. He moved back north to be nearer to family, admitting half‑jokingly that it was the first time in twelve years he had spent any significant period away from football – a break he “absolutely despised.” Yet he also recognised the value of stepping off the relentless “hamster wheel.” During this interval he re‑connected with old friends, broadened his perspective and challenged his own thinking. When an opportunity arose from Liam Manning, who invited him to join Huddersfield Town, Drury seized it.
“I’d known Liam for a while and Huddersfield has a special place in my heart, so I was eager to help build something special here,” he explains. In January 2026 Drury was appointed Manning’s assistant manager. By late March, following Manning’s compassionate leave after the tragic loss of his newborn son Theo in October 2024, Drury, alongside Jon Stead, stepped up as caretaker manager. Huddersfield’s official statement confirmed the personal circumstances surrounding Manning’s absence.
Under Drury’s temporary stewardship the Terriers recorded two wins and four draws from seven games, ultimately 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 never having actively pursued a head‑coach position, he embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. “I love coaching, I love being on the training ground, I love working with players,” he says.
“When I’m truly passionate about a philosophy, a culture and an environment, I feel compelled to lead it from the front. It wasn’t a goal I set for myself, but football is full of surprises.” Reflecting on the end‑of‑season turbulence, Drury stresses that the atmosphere at Huddersfield remained constructive.
“There were no toxic personalities; everyone wanted the best for the club,” he notes. He also highlights the club’s recent transfer window, saying the additions have begun to address gaps and that the existing squad will benefit from the fresh competition. “Building chemistry takes time, especially when new faces arrive, but we have a humble group of men driven by development, a winning edge and a competitive spirit.” Drury is clear about the identity he wants his side to embody.
“When I stand on the touchline I want to see a team that truly represents Huddersfield – players who run, give everything and embody the northern spirit,” he declares. As a proud northern lad, he understands the expectations of local supporters.
“If we deliver that intensity, I genuinely believe success will follow, given the quality of our players and staff.” The Terriers’ upcoming clash with Burton Albion will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ on Saturday, 3 October, kick‑off at 3 pm. Fans can also try their luck in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available.