Huddersfield Town head coach Liam Manning has stepped away from his duties with immediate effect, having been granted compassionate leave for the remainder of the season following the tragic death of his newborn son.
The club confirmed Manning's decision, stating he had informed them of ongoing personal matters relating to the passing of his son Theo in October 2024. This personal tragedy had previously seen Manning take a short leave of absence while he was manager of Bristol City, before his subsequent moves to Norwich and then Huddersfield in January.
In a statement, Huddersfield Town expressed their full backing for Manning and his family. "Liam, his wife Fran, their eldest son Isaac, and the entire Manning family have the full support of everyone at Huddersfield Town," the club said, adding: "We ask that the privacy of Liam and his family is respected during this time."
Assistant coaches Martin Drury and Jon Stead will now assume control of the team for the rest of the campaign. Huddersfield currently sit ninth in League One, having recently fallen out of the play-off positions. The Terriers have seven league games left to try and force their way back into the play-off picture.
Since Manning arrived in January, Huddersfield have won five of their 12 league matches, alongside three draws and four losses. They were also knocked out of the EFL Trophy at the quarter-final stage following a 3-0 home defeat by Doncaster Rovers last month.
Huddersfield will return to action on Good Friday when they host Reading before travelling to Leyton Orient three days later. They will then finish the season with games against Wycombe Wanderers, Cardiff City, Bolton Wanderers, Mansfield Town and AFC Wimbledon. The league season is due to conclude on 2 May.
