Liam Manning departs Huddersfield Town by mutual agreement

The head coach will not be returning to the club following his period of compassionate leave

Huddersfield Town head coach Liam Manning will not be returning to the club this summer and will leave the post of head coach.

Manning went on a period of compassionate leave towards the end of March due to personal issues relating to the passing of his new-born son Theo in October 2024.

The decision for Manning to depart the role permanently was made following discussions between Manning and Town management, and has been ‘mutually agreed in the best interest of Liam, his family and the club’.

No details have yet been given on Manning’s replacement in the head coach role.

Manning said in a club statement: “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.”

Town chairman Kevin Nagle said in a club statement: “I want to pay huge tribute to Liam today. 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.”

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.”

We Are Terriers reaction

First of all, once again, we need to start by wishing all the best to Liam Manning and his family. He has handled a difficult situation as responsibly and well as he possibly could have done in the circumstances.

There are some things that are more important than football and we hope to see him back in the game as soon as he is ready.

For Huddersfield Town, though, things must go on, and their task at hand now is to decide how best to replace Manning.