Martin Drury is a no‑nonsense character who admits that becoming a head coach never featured on his career roadmap. After a brief spell at Bradford Park Avenue in the National League North during the 2015‑16 season—just after hanging up his boots—he slipped back into the shadows.
Over the following ten years he assembled a varied coaching résumé that included stops at Boston United, Bradford City, Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion and Valencia. Now, back in his hometown of Huddersfield, Drury holds the reins in his own right. An interim appointment in March 2026 turned into a two‑year contract in May, and he has since spoken to Sky Sports about his odyssey from Spain’s LaLiga to England’s Premier League and his current mission to guide the Terriers out of League One. Drury first crossed paths with Carlos Corberán while both were at Bradford, Corberán then working for Leeds United.
Their professional relationship deepened in August 2024 when Drury joined West Brom as an individual coach, and the two discovered a shared work ethic and philosophy. "When I met Carlos, I instantly sensed a common approach to hard work and a belief that everything you achieve comes from effort," Drury recalls. "On the tactical side we were on the same wavelength, despite coming from very different cultures." Corberán departed for Valencia on Christmas Eve 2024, and Drury followed a few days later, taking up the role of his assistant.
The pair abandoned a promising Championship play‑off chase to try to keep Los Murcielagos afloat in Spain’s top flight. Their tenure began auspiciously, as Valencia led 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 this was the environment I craved – battling the likes of Mbappé, Bellingham and Modrić," Drury says.
"Winning 2‑1 at the Bernabéu in the dying minutes was a career highlight, and the bond we forged with the supporters was extraordinary. Even the defeats to Barcelona taught me the quality required at that level and the privilege of working weekly against world‑class managers and players." When Drury arrived, Valencia were languishing at the bottom of LaLiga. By season’s end they were flirting with European qualification, a remarkable turnaround that Drury attributes to the experience of facing elite opposition.
In July 2025 he was lured back to England, joining Keith Andrews’ staff at Brentford as an assistant first‑team coach. However, after only three Premier League fixtures, he left in early September. Director of Football Phil Giles praised his contributions, while Drury lauded Brentford’s professionalism and Andrews’ managerial acumen. "Sometimes you have to assess whether a club is the right fit for you," he explained.
"Our conversations were transparent, and I watched from a distance as they built on a strong season. I genuinely believe they will be even stronger this year because of the excellent structure and the quality of the squad." The abrupt exit forced Drury into an unexpected hiatus. He returned north to be nearer family, noting it was the first time in over a decade he had taken a genuine break from football—a break he initially despised but later recognised as valuable.
"I’d been on the hamster wheel for twelve years," he jokes. "Stepping away let me reconnect with old friends, challenge my thinking and recharge. I turned down a few offers because I needed more time, and then Liam Manning called, inviting me to Huddersfield." Having known Manning for a while and feeling a strong affinity for Huddersfield, Drury accepted the invitation.
In January 2026 he became Manning’s assistant, and by late March, alongside Jon Stead, he assumed charge while Manning took compassionate leave following the tragic loss of his newborn son Theo in October 2024. During Drury’s seven‑game spell the Terriers 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 a permanent managerial role, describing him as the “outstanding” candidate for the job.
Although he never set out to be a head coach, Drury now embraces the challenge fully. "I love coaching, I love being on the training ground, I love working with players. When I’m passionate about a vision, I commit wholeheartedly," he says.
He adds that his philosophy stems from a desire to shape culture from the front. "If I feel strongly about a way of working and the environment I want to create, eventually I have to lead it. The opportunity presented itself, and the decision was clear." Reflecting on the turbulent end of the season, Drury notes the atmosphere remained constructive. "There were no toxic personalities; most people wanted the best for the club.
We’ve already used the summer window to strengthen the squad, and the existing players appreciate the progress because it benefits them," he explains. He acknowledges that building cohesion takes time, especially when new signings arrive, but stresses the squad’s humility and relentless focus on development, competitiveness and a winning mentality.
Drury’s ultimate aim is to forge a team that embodies the spirit of the north. "When I stand on the sidelines I want to see a side that truly represents Huddersfield – players giving everything, running with heart," he says. "As a northern lad I understand what the fans expect. If we deliver that intensity, I genuinely believe success will follow given the talent and staff we have."