Mark Hughes appointed Braford City manager after more than three years out of football | Football News

Mark Hughes has been appointed manager of League Two side Bradford City after more than three-and-a-half years out of football.

Former Manchester City, Blackburn and Stoke boss Hughes replaces Derek Adams, who was sacked earlier this month after a run of nine wins in 37 games.

Bradford are 15th in England’s fourth-tier, sitting 11 points clear of the relegation zone, and Hughes’ first game in charge will be the visit of Mansfield on Saturday.

Hughes said: “I am really pleased to be here and am looking forward to the role, and the job in hand. It has been an exciting few days.

“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.

“The supporters come in their numbers, and that is the thing I have missed since being out of management. I am looking forward to the matchday, getting that adrenaline flowing and interacting with the crowd.

“Certainly, from now until the end of the year, we just want to finish strongly and see where that takes us.

“We want to move the club and everybody with it forward, and hope we can have the success everyone wants.”

It is Hughes’ first job in management since he was sacked by Premier League club Southampton in December 2018, with his last game in charge a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at St Mary’s.

The Welshman took an extended break after his dismissal by Southampton, but has been keen to return to football management for over a year.