Matt Derbyshire is coaching at Blackburn after Bantams exit

The 38-year-old announced he was hanging up his boots earlier this month after a career spanning over two decades.

The Bantams were the striker’s final club in a 22-year stint that saw him play in Greece, Cyprus, Australia and India as well as all four domestic divisions.

He has now returned to where it all started at Blackburn to kick off his move into coaching.

Derbyshire was at Valley Parade from January 2023 until being released at the end of last season.

Signed by his former Blackburn boss Mark Hughes from Indian Premier League club Northeast United, he made 23 appearances although only four were from the start.

Derbyshire scored twice, including the extra-time goal at Carlisle which gave City late hope in the play-off semi-final second leg 18 months ago.

He featured only three times under Graham Alexander – the last in January against Crawley.

Derbyshire was part of Kevin McDonald’s coaching team when the Scot was placed in caretaker charge before Alexander’s appointment.

And McDonald, who has gone back to Exeter following his City exit, was among those to pass on their congratulations when Derbyshire confirmed his playing retirement on Instagram.

McDonald said: “(It) was a pleasure playing and coaching alongside you.”

Jamie Walker wrote: “Top career, top man.”

Clarke Oduor added: “All the very best Derbs.”

And fellow striker Vadaine Oliver commented: “Legend Derbs, all the best for the future.”

Derbyshire scored 177 goals in 530 career games with 14 different clubs.

“What a privilege in life to play this wonderful game of football,” he posted in his farewell message.

“I have never taken a single day for granted waking up and being able to do this as my job for the past 22 years.

The message posted by Matt Derbyshire on social media (Image: Instagram)

“I have been so fortunate to have experienced and played in every level of English football and I am so proud to have represented my country.

“Football has gifted me such life experiences starting at Great Harwood FC to playing at the other side of the world in Australia. I have loved every second of it.

“I wish I could do it all over again but now it’s time for me to pass on my knowledge and help the next generation of young footballers.”

Derbyshire’s new role involves coaching Blackburn’s under-14s and under-18s at the club’s Brockhall Senior Training Centre. He is also working towards his UEFA A licence.

"From a young age, I knew coaching was my calling," Derbyshire told the Lancashire Telegraph, our sister paper.

"Once my playing days concluded, it felt like the perfect transition to make, and of course, I aimed to extend my playing career for as long as possible.

"After I wrapped up my time at Bradford City last season, I suddenly found myself with ample free time.

“I was eager to maintain my routine and immerse myself in coaching again - after all, I had already started that journey at Bradford. However, it was a bit of a trek from home doing that.

"I reached out to the club and academy staff, and they welcomed me with open arms.

“Watching training sessions alone has been a valuable experience, let alone planning and engaging in them. I’m relishing every moment of it."

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