Martin Drury is a refreshingly candid figure who admits that becoming a head coach never featured on his career roadmap. While he briefly took charge of Bradford Park Avenue in the National League North during the 2015/16 season, that stint arrived shortly after his playing days ended and he soon slipped back into the shadows. Over the following ten years he assembled a diverse coaching résumé that included roles at Boston United, Bradford City, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Valencia.
Today he is at the helm of Huddersfield Town – the club from the town where he was born – after an interim spell in March earned him a two‑year contract in May. In an interview with Sky Sports Drury reflects on a journey that has taken him from La Liga to the Premier League and now to the task of guiding the Terriers out of League One.
He first crossed paths with Carlos Corberán while Drury was working at Bradford and Corberán was at Leeds. Their professional chemistry sparked in August 2024 when Drury was hired as an individual coach at West Brom. "When I first met Carlos, I felt we clicked on a work‑ethic level and shared a belief that everything you earn comes from hard work," Drury recalls.
"On the football side we were aligned in our philosophy and in what we thought we could achieve with players, despite coming from different cultures." 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 play‑off push to take on the challenge of keeping Los Murcielagos in Spain’s top flight. Their start was dramatic: at the Mestalla they led Real Madrid until the 85th minute on 3 January 2025, only for Luka Modrić to equalise and Jude Bellingham to snatch a 96th‑minute winner.
"I remember preparing for that match and thinking this was the environment I wanted – facing the likes of Mbappé, Bellingham, Modrić," Drury says. "To play them again later in the season and win 2‑1 in the final minute at the Bernabéu was the highlight, and the bond with the fans was extraordinary." He adds that, although they lost both fixtures against Barcelona, witnessing world‑class talent and preparing for elite managers on a weekly basis was a privilege. "When we arrived the club were at the bottom of the table, and to finish near European qualification, picking up points against giants, was something special," he notes. 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 games he left in early September. Club director of football Phil Giles praised his contribution, and Drury himself spoke highly of the organisation, saying, "They’re outstanding from top to bottom. Keith has done an unbelievable job and I really enjoyed it there. Sometimes in football you have to assess whether it’s the right fit for you." The abrupt exit forced an unexpected pause in his career.
Drury moved north to be nearer his family, describing the break as his first time away from football in twelve years – a period he “absolutely despised” in half‑joking terms, yet found productive for reconnecting with old contacts and challenging his own thinking. He turned down a few offers, feeling he needed more time, before receiving a call from Liam Manning to join Huddersfield. "I’d known Liam for a while and Huddersfield is close to my heart, so I was eager to help build something special," Drury explains.
In January 2026 he was appointed Manning’s assistant manager, and by late March, together with Jon Stead, he stepped up as caretaker when Manning took compassionate leave following the tragic loss of his newborn son, Theo, in October 2024. During his seven‑game spell the Terriers won two and drew four, 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. Even though he never initially sought a solo managerial position, Drury is now fully committed to the project. "I love coaching, I love being on the training ground, I love working with players – but I’m driven, and when I truly believe in something I feel very strongly about it," he says. He adds that his philosophy is rooted in a clear vision of culture and environment, and when the chance to lead presented itself, the decision was obvious.
"Even when there was a little turbulence at the end of the season, I never felt it was a hostile environment. Most people wanted the best for the club," he notes. Drury believes the recent recruitment window has allowed the squad to address weak areas, and he feels the existing players will appreciate the improvements.
"There’s still work to do in building connections, especially with new signings, but it’s a humble group of men who focus daily on development, with a winning edge and competitive spirit," he says. His ultimate aim is to forge a team that embodies the northern spirit of Huddersfield. "When I stand on the touchline I want to see a side that represents this town – players giving everything, running with heart," he declares. As a native of the north, he understands what local supporters expect.
"If we deliver that, I genuinely believe success will follow given the players and staff we have," Drury concludes.