FORMER Saints boss Mark Hughes has returned to management for the first time since his St Mary’s departure, as League Two Bradford City confirm his appointment.
Hughes, 58, who also played for Saints during a 1998-2000 spell, was manager of the club in 2018 before he was sacked and replaced by Ralph Hasenhuttl.
He will now take charge at the Bantams, in his first position since leaving the south-coast side, signing a two-and-a-half year contract to remain until June 2024.
The former Manchester City, Stoke City, Fulham, QPR, Blackburn Rovers and Wales boss has taken charge of over 450 top-flight matches.
He will get back into the dugout for their League Two visit of Mansfield Town on Saturday, February 26.
Following the announcement of his role, Hughes told the club website: “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.”
At Saints, Hughes succeeded Mauricio Pellegrino in a relegation fight in March 2018, before securing the retention of their Premier League status.
He signed a three-year deal with the club but was dismissed with Saints, again, in a relegation battle by December that year.
