Liam Manning: Huddersfield Town boss leaves club after period of compassionate leave

Huddersfield Town boss Liam Manning has left the club by mutual consent, two months after being placed on compassionate leave.

Manning stepped back from his role in March and the League One side said in a statement at the time that the decision was made after he “made the club aware of ongoing personal matters surrounding the tragic death of his newborn son Theo in October 2024”.

Chairman Kevin Nagle said: “I’d like to pay a huge tribute to Liam today.” he told the club’s website., external

“Stepping away from this role is the right decision for him and his family, and that comes absolutely first.”

Manning added: “It was a difficult decision to leave Huddersfield Town but at the moment I feel it is best for the club, my family and myself.

“It has been a privilege to manage this team and be part of this community. I am grateful to the fans for their support and compassion over the past months.”

Theo was manager of Bristol City when he died and took a short leave of absence before returning to his duties.

He left Ashton Gate to take charge of second-tier rivals Norwich City in June 2025, after leading them to the Championship play-offs last season.

He released a statement through the League Managers’ Association at the time, saying that losing Theo was “the hardest thing my family and I have ever experienced” and that he would be “forever grateful” for the support of Bristol City and their fans.

His spell at Norwich ended after just 17 games in November and he became Huddersfield boss in January, replacing the sacked Lee Grant.

The Terriers announced on March 25 that he would take compassionate leave for the remainder of the season.

Coaches Martin Drury and Jon Stead took over until the end of the campaign as Huddersfield finished ninth.

If you are affected by any of the issues in this article, you can visit: BBC’s Action Line For information and support regarding bereavement.