What to expect as Huddersfield Town appoint Liam Manning as new head coach
The former MK Dons, Oxford, Bristol City and Norwich boss has been named as Lee Grant's successor in the Terriers dugout
Huddersfield Town have announced Liam Manning as their new head coach on a long-term contract.
Manning will take charge of his first game against Bradford City on Saturday lunchtime. His coaching team is yet to be confirmed.
The former Lommel, MK Dons, Oxford United, Bristol City and Norwich City boss takes charge with immediate effect following Lee Grant’s dismissal following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Burton Albion, which left the Terriers in sixth place and ten points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
After working as a youth coach for Ipswich Town, West Ham United and New York City FC, Manning made his start in management with Belgian second-tier side Lommel in 2020.
Manning then took Milton Keynes to third place in League One in his first season in English football in 2021/22 before being dismissed following a play-off semi-final defeat and a disappointing start to the next season.
The now-40 year old then took over at Oxford United in March 2023 and set them on their way to promotion in 2023/24, departing for Championship side Bristol City that November with the U’s sitting second in the League One table.
Manning again achieved a top six finish at Ashton Gate in his first full season in charge — the club’s highest position and first appearance in the play-offs since 2008 — only to fall short in the semi-finals.
His most recent role was with hometown club Norwich, who he joined in the summer before being sacked in November with the Canaries in the relegation zone.
Town sporting director Chris Markham said in a club statement: “Liam’s appetite and enthusiasm to take this opportunity on has been abundantly clear right from our very first conversation, and we’re delighted to welcome him to the club at such a crucial stage in our season, with so much left to play for.
“This recruitment process wasn’t just about finding a good coach, it was as much identifying the right person for Huddersfield Town to fulfil our ambitions both this season and beyond.
“An ambitious appointment that even six months ago would’ve likely been seen as unrealistic, Liam is an impressive person and professional, with his progressive and pragmatic approach to coaching sharing many of the ideals and characteristics that the club, and most importantly our supporters, value highest.
“We are in the fortunate position that the brand of football and identity of team that our supporters hope for is in complete agreement with both the Club and Liam’s outlook. Whether in the stands as a supporter growing up, being behind-the-scenes as an analyst or now as sporting director, those expectations haven’t changed and we’ve brought Liam to the club with that firmly in mind.
“An important decision in both the short and the long-term, this appointment at the head of our men’s first team allows us the opportunity to realign our football strategy across the entire club, with the same principles and beliefs applied here to be present throughout both our women’s first team and academy, reinforcing what it means to be Huddersfield Town.”
Manning added: “Being named head coach of Huddersfield Town is an honour, with the size of this opportunity too great to turn down.
“I am thankful to have been given the trust of such a prestigious role, and I’ll do everything in my power to create some positive history of our own.
“In each discussion with Chris Markham and the club hierarchy, our wider hopes, desires and aspirations were not only shared, but how we wanted to achieve them was, too. Backed by a passionate and invested owner and chairman, there is an excitement and hunger that must be restored in everything that we do, and that work starts now.
“Inheriting an extremely talented and capable first team squad and staff, I look forward to working closely with them all as we strive to fulfil our potential.
“Having coached against Town on several occasions, I know the size and ferocity of the support here both home and away, and it’s our job to establish a renewed sense of pride both on the pitch and in the stands.
“We have a lot to still play for this season, and I’m truly excited to get going.”
We Are Terriers reaction as Liam Manning arrives: Style of play and what to expect
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