Huddersfield Town manager Liam Manning has been granted compassionate leave for the remainder of the season, the club has confirmed, as he continues to deal with deeply personal circumstances following the tragic loss of his newborn son.
The League One side announced the decision in an official statement, revealing that Manning had informed the club of ongoing personal matters connected to the passing of his son, Theo, in October 2024.
Manning, 40, had previously stepped away briefly from his role at Bristol City at the time of the tragedy. The loss, which he once described as “the hardest thing my family and I have ever been through,” has continued to have a profound impact on him and his family.
Huddersfield confirmed that first-team coaches Martin Drury and Jon Stead will take charge of the team for the rest of the campaign.
In a statement, the club expressed unwavering support for their manager and his family:
“Liam, his wife Fran, their eldest son Isaac, and the entire Manning family have the full support of everyone at Huddersfield Town. We will keep in regular contact with Liam and those close to him.”
They also urged the public and media to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult period.
Manning only took charge at Huddersfield in January after a brief spell at Norwich City, where he managed 17 games. Prior to that, he guided Bristol City to a Championship play-off place, earning widespread praise for his leadership.
Huddersfield currently sit ninth in League One and remain in contention for a play-off spot. The team is set to return to action on Friday, 3 April, when they host Reading in a crucial fixture.
While football continues on the pitch, the focus at Huddersfield remains firmly on supporting their manager through an incredibly challenging time.
