Bradford City has announced the appointment of highly decorated Mark Hughes as their new manager, following the departure of Derek Adams.
The former Manchester City, Southampton, Stoke City, Fulham, QPR, Blackburn Rovers, and Wales boss with over 450 top-flight appearances has signed a two-year deal with the Bantams.
It’s Hughes’s first job back in Football since being sacked by Southampton back in 2018. His last result was a 2-2 draw against Premier League giants Manchester United.
Hughes will be one of the highest-profile coups the Bantams have secured and he even acknowledged this in his announcement.
“It is maybe a little bit of a surprise that I have come in, but do not be put off by that!”
“I am here for a reason: to make Bradford City a team people want to come and watch – and are proud to watch.”
It was reported by Bradford’s Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Sparks, that it was in fact Hughes himself who expressed interest in the managerial role.
Sparks said: “We are delighted to have secured Mark’s services, and I am looking forward to working alongside him.”
It shows the type of direction the club is looking towards. Bringing in a high-profile manager with Premier League pedigree gives a sense of ambition that will be felt throughout the club.
The Bantams currently sit 15th in league 2, 11 points above relegation. Hughes will take charge of training tomorrow and his first game in charge will be against Mansfield at the weekend.