Huddersfield Grants Compassionate Leave to Former City Manager Manning
Huddersfield Town have confirmed that head coach Liam Manning will be on compassionate leave for the rest of the 2025/26 Sky Bet League One season. The club announced the decision on March 25, 2026. Assistants Jon Stead and Martin Drury will lead the first team during his absence.
Reason for the leave
The club said the move follows ongoing personal matters. Manning notified the club about the tragic death of his newborn son, Theo, in October 2024. Huddersfield asked for privacy and offered full support to Manning and his family, including his wife Fran and their eldest son Isaac.
Interim coaching plan
Stead and Drury will manage the remaining seven League One fixtures. Huddersfield remain focused on their push for a play-off place. The club said it will keep in regular contact with Manning and those close to him.
Background on Manning’s recent career
Manning joined Huddersfield in January after leaving his previous post last November. He had been dismissed following 17 matches in charge at Carrow Road, where Philippe Clement succeeded him. Earlier, Manning had been Bristol City boss when his son died, prompting an earlier period of compassionate leave.
He later returned to Bristol City and guided them to the Championship play-offs. The side lost to Sheffield United over two legs. That run delivered the club its best league finish in 17 years.
During a March 2025 interview with a national newspaper, Manning said he still struggles daily with the loss. He admitted he had considered quitting and discussed wanting to be more present with his family. He also reflected on the demands required to succeed in management.
Norwich spell and departure
Manning had taken charge at Norwich the previous summer. He struggled to reproduce his Bristol City form. He was sacked hours after a 2-1 defeat to Leicester, which extended a poor start at Carrow Road.
Support and resources
- Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice
- The Compassionate Friends
- Bernado’s Child Bereavement Service
- Child Bereavement UK
- Winston’s Wish
Huddersfield have granted compassionate leave to their head coach, the former City manager Manning. Filmogaz.com will follow the story and report any major updates.
