Martin Drury is a refreshingly candid figure who admits that becoming a head coach never featured on his career blueprint. Though 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 soon slipped back into the shadows. Over the following ten years Drury assembled a diverse coaching résumé, holding roles at Boston United, Bradford City, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Valencia. Today he finds himself back in his hometown, leading Huddersfield Town – the club of the town that raised him – after an interim spell in March earned him a two‑year contract in May.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports he recounts his odyssey from LaLiga to the Premier League and explains how he is now charting the Terriers' route out of League One. Drury first crossed paths with Spanish coach Carlos Corberán while both were attached to clubs in Yorkshire – Drury at Bradford and Corberán at Leeds. Their professional chemistry blossomed in August 2024 when Drury was hired as an individual coach at West Brom. "When I first met Carlos, I sensed an instant connection in our work ethic.
We both believe that everything you achieve comes from hard work," Drury explains. "On the tactical side we share the same philosophy about what we can accomplish with players, despite our different cultural backgrounds." Corberán’s move to Valencia on Christmas Eve 2024 prompted Drury to follow him within days, leaving a promising Championship play‑off push to help keep Los Murcielagos in Spain’s top flight. The pair enjoyed a dream start, leading Real Madrid at the Mestalla until the 85th minute on 3 January 2025, when Luka Modrić equalised and Jude Bellingham snatched a 96th‑minute winner.
"I remember preparing for that match and thinking this is the environment I want – facing the likes of Mbappé, Bellingham and Modrić," Drury recalls. "Winning 2‑1 at the Bernabeu in the final minute was a career highlight, and the bond we forged with the fans was extraordinary." Although they suffered defeats against Barcelona, Drury cherished the daily exposure to world‑class talent and the chance to devise game plans against some of the best managers on the planet. "When we arrived, Valencia were at the bottom of the table, yet we finished tantalisingly close to a European spot, picking up points against giants – that was special," he adds. In July 2025 Drury returned 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 contribution, saying, "Martin played an important role in setting us up for the season ahead." Drury echoed the sentiment, lauding Brentford’s professionalism and Andrews’ leadership, before admitting that sometimes a coach must decide whether a club is the right fit. "The conversations were open and honest, and I’m happy with how they ended.
I truly believe they’ll be even stronger this season," he said. The brief West London episode forced Drury into an unexpected hiatus. He moved back north to be nearer family, noting, "It was the first time in twelve years I spent any time away from football – and I absolutely despised it!" Yet the break proved restorative. "I hadn’t had a proper break in a decade, so stepping off the hamster wheel allowed me to reconnect with old friends, explore new perspectives and challenge my own thinking," he reflected.
When opportunities arose elsewhere, he declined, feeling he needed a little more time before re‑entering the game. Fortune smiled when Liam Manning called, inviting Drury to join Huddersfield’s backroom staff. Having known Manning for some time and feeling a deep affection for the club, Drury was eager to help build something special. In January 2026 he was appointed Manning’s assistant manager, and by late March, alongside Jon Stead, he assumed temporary charge while Manning took compassionate leave following the tragic death of his newborn son Theo in October 2024.
During his seven‑game spell in charge, Huddersfield recorded two wins and four draws, ultimately missing the League One play‑offs by eight points. Nevertheless, the club announced on 27 May that Drury had earned the permanent managerial role, describing him as the "outstanding" candidate for the job. Even though he never set out to become a head coach, Drury now embraces the challenge fully. "I love coaching, I love being on the training pitch, I love working with players – I’m driven and when I truly believe in something, I feel very strongly about it," he says.
He adds, "If I have a clear vision of a culture and environment I want to create, sometimes you have to lead from the front. That wasn’t my original plan, but football is full of surprises. When the opportunity presented itself, the decision was obvious." Reflecting on the latter part of the season, Drury notes, "There was a bit of turbulence, but it never felt like a hostile environment. Most people wanted the best for the club.
We’ve already had a transfer window to strengthen the squad, and I think the players from last season appreciate the work we’ve done because it will benefit them." He acknowledges that building cohesion takes time, especially after new arrivals, but praises the squad’s humility and hunger. "Every day the group is driven by development, with a real winning edge and a competitive focus," he says. Drury is clear about the identity he wants his team to embody.
"When I stand on the touchline I want to see a side that represents Huddersfield – players giving everything, running with passion," he declares. "As a northern lad, I understand what the fans expect. If we deliver that intensity, I genuinely believe success will follow because of the quality of the players and staff we have."