Mark Hughes has made a shock return to management after being announced as the new boss of fourth-tier Bradford City on a contract until the summer of 2024.
Hughes, 58, has spent all 13 years of his career as a club manager in the Premier League, most notably with Manchester City, while also taking in spells at Blackburn, Fulham, QPR, Stoke and Southampton, who sacked him in December 2018.
The Welshman's willingness to step down into League Two at Valley Parade, where he replaces Derek Adams, therefore comes as a great surprise - and Hughes addressed that at his unveiling on Thursday.
Hughes told Bradford's official website: '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.'
Bradford currently sit in 15th place in League Two, though are closer to the play-offs in terms of points (10) than they are the relegation zone (12).
Hughes enjoyed a distinguished career as a player, scoring 163 goals in 473 games during two spells Manchester United. He also played for Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn.
Hughes began his managerial career with Wales while still playing in 1999, before taking his first club job with Blackburn in 2004.
His first game in charge of Bradford will be at home to Mansfield on Saturday.
mancsupporter
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Curse the whole bradford for what those bradford lads did to foden and his family