Huddersfield boss Manning leaves League One club after compassionate leave
TL;DR
Liam Manning has left Huddersfield Town by mutual consent after taking compassionate leave for personal reasons. His departure follows the tragic loss of his newborn son in October 2024.
Key points
- Liam Manning left Huddersfield Town by mutual consent
- He took compassionate leave after the loss of his newborn son
- Chairman Kevin Nagle supported Manning's decision
Mentioned in this story
Huddersfield Town boss Liam Manning has left the club by mutual consent, two months after taking compassionate leave.
Manning stepped back from his role in March, with the League One side saying in a statement at the time that the decision was made after he "made the club aware of ongoing personal matters relating to the tragic passing of his newborn son Theo in October 2024".
"I want to pay huge tribute to Liam today," chairman Kevin Nagle told the club website., external
"Stepping away from this role is the correct decision for him and his family, and that comes before absolutely everything else."
Manning added: "Stepping down from Huddersfield Town has been a difficult decision, but one I feel is best for the club, my family and myself at this time.
"It has been a privilege to manage this team and be a part of this community. I am grateful to the fans for their support and compassion in recent months."
He was manager of Bristol City when Theo died and took a brief leave of absence before returning to his role.
After leading them into the Championship play-offs last season he left Ashton Gate in June 2025 to take over at second tier rivals Norwich City.
He issued a statement through the League Managers Association at that time in which he said losing Theo was "the hardest thing my family and I have ever been through" and that he would be "forever grateful" for the support from Bristol City and their fans.
His spell at Norwich ended after just 17 games in November and he replaced the sacked Lee Grant as Huddersfield boss in January.
The Terriers announced on 25 March that he would be taking compassionate leave for the remainder of the season.
Coaches Martin Drury and Jon Stead took over until the close of the campaign, as Huddersfield finished ninth.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article you can visit the BBC's Action Line for information and support on bereavement.
Q&A
Why did Liam Manning leave Huddersfield Town?
Liam Manning left Huddersfield Town by mutual consent after taking compassionate leave due to ongoing personal matters related to the tragic passing of his newborn son.
What did Huddersfield Town chairman say about Manning's departure?
Chairman Kevin Nagle praised Manning, stating that stepping away was the correct decision for him and his family, emphasizing that family comes first.
When did Liam Manning take compassionate leave from Huddersfield?
Liam Manning took compassionate leave in March 2024, following the tragic passing of his newborn son in October 2023.
