Manning Leaves Huddersfield
Monday, 11th May 2026 22:15

Former Blues academy midfielder and coach Liam Manning has left his role as head coach of Huddersfield Town having been on compassionate leave since the end of March.

Manning, 40, took charge at the League One side in January, replacing former Town first-team coach Lee Grant.

However, he temporarily stepped away from the role two months later on compassionate leave, he and wife Fran, who also used to work at Town, having suffered the loss of their son Theo shortly after his birth in October 2024.

“I want to pay huge tribute to Liam today,” Huddersfield owner and chairman Kevin Nagle said.

“Stepping away from this role is the correct decision for him and his family, and that comes before absolutely everything else. His openness and honesty about this situation have been second-to-none.

“His time at Huddersfield Town had been relatively short but he has shown a deep care and respect for the club in how he has dealt with us. He will always be a Terrier and is always welcome back at Accu Stadium.”

Terriers sporting director Chris Markham added: “I’m sad that I won’t get the chance to work with Liam for longer but, as Mr Nagle has rightly stated, family must always come first. This is the right decision for the Manning family, and that is all important.

“We knew Liam was an excellent head coach before he arrived, but seeing how he works up close only cemented that opinion. I look forward to seeing him back in a dugout in the future, but only when it is right for him and his family.”

Manning said: “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.

“The understanding and care from the club has gone above and beyond, and I would like to thank Kevin Nagle, Chris Markham, the wider first-team staff and players for their professionalism, commitment and dedication in my absence.

“Although my time was shorter than I had hoped, I am grateful for the opportunity Kevin Nagle entrusted in me and wish nothing but success for Huddersfield Town moving forwards.”

Photo: TWTD

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Hugoagogo_Reborn added 23:35 - May 11

Terrible time for the Manning family. I very much wish they can heal and Liam gets back to management when he is ready. He's a good coach, but nobody should or could expect him to perform under pressure when the family have had such a tragic time of things. Best wishes for your healing and recovery!

You will be a great manager, when the circumstances are right for you.

armchaircritic59 added 00:26 - May 12 Just take your time Liam and come back when you are ready. Best of luck for the future, I think you're due some.
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Skip73 added 07:30 - May 12 Maybe the scumbags up the road will take a good hard look at themselves for how they treated him, but knowing what they're like, probably not.
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Pirateplank added 08:26 - May 12 @Skip73 You are perpetuating it with silly childish comments like that. Grow up man.
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Gilesy added 08:37 - May 12 Such a heartbreaking story. Good luck to the Mannings in the future.
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Brogan55 added 09:16 - May 12 It shows that family is more important than football.We all feel for him and his family.I wonder if ITFC can help in any way by giving him a way back when he is ready?Kieran realises that Liam has talent.I remember when we played MK Dons at Portman Road,his type of football was so different to Paul Cook’s way.The way we would be used to when Kieran joined.
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BeachBlue added 11:36 - May 12 Here's wishing the very best for the Manning family. This is a sad decision but the right one.
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Saxonblue74 added 13:12 - May 12 Best wishes to him and his family, can't imagine the pressure and state of mind he had to deal with. Surely questions over Budgies recruitment of him during that time?
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Bert added 14:38 - May 12 A bereavement is a very personal matter and a tragic one even more so. I hope he and his family can find a route to happiness. A kinder world would help.
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lozklein added 14:55 - May 12 Whist accepting that there are family extenuating circumstances, this parting of ways is another way of saying that Liam Manning has been sacked. It softens the blow and the negative connotations for both parties
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keighleyblue added 16:46 - May 12 some pretty ungracious comments on here, quelle surprise
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Linkboy13 added 17:17 - May 12 Met him several seasons ago when he was at a local game with Steve Foley a really modest humble guy wish him and his family all the best for the future.
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armchaircritic59 added 17:57 - May 12 keighleyblue, sadly someone could publish the most heartwarming article you could ever imagine and it's an absolute certainty there will be some who turn it into something negative, not just talking football here, anything.
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