Liam Manning was appointed Huddersfield Town boss in Janaury
Published March 25, 2026 • Source: bbc.com
Huddersfield Town boss Liam Manning has been granted compassionate leave for the remainder of the season.
The League One club said in a statement, external (https://www.htafc.com/news/2026/march/25/liam-manning-granted-compassionate-leave/) the decision was made after Manning "made the club aware of ongoing personal matters relating to the tragic passing of his newborn son Theo in October 2024".
Manning, 40, took a short leave of absence from his role as Bristol City manager when Theo died.
Coaches Martin Drury and Jon Stead have been placed in charge of the team for the remainder of the season.
"Liam, his wife Fran, their eldest son Isaac, and the entire Manning family have the full support of everyone at Huddersfield Town, and we will keep in regular contact with Liam and those close to him," Huddersfield said in the statement.
"We ask that the privacy of Liam and his family is respected during this time."
After leading Bristol City into the Championship play-offs last season, Manning left Ashton Gate in June 2025 to take over at second tier rivals Norwich City.
He issued a statement through the League Managers Association, external (https://www.leaguemanagers.com/latest-news/liam-manning-statement) at that time in which he said losing Theo was "the hardest thing my family and I have ever been through" and that he would be "forever grateful" for the support from Bristol City and their fans.
His spell at Norwich ended after just 17 games in November and he replaced Lee Grant as Huddersfield manager in January.
The Terriers, who are ninth in League One, are next in action on Friday, 3 April when they host fellow play-off hopefuls Reading.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article you can visit the BBC's Action Line for information and support on bereavement.