Former Oxford boss Manning awarded compassionate leave

The 40-year-old will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season with Martin Drury and John Stead set to take charge of duties as the Terriers offer their full support to Manning and his family.

The statement from the club reads: “Liam has made the Club aware of ongoing personal matters relating to the tragic passing of his newborn son Theo in October 2024, and he will now be given time away from his professional duties.

“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.

Former Oxford United head coach Liam Manning (Image: Mike Allen)

“We ask that the privacy of Liam and his family is respected during this time.”

Manning took compassionate leave during that tragic time in October 2024 whilst in charge of Bristol City.

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Taking charge of Huddersfield in January, the former U’s boss currently has the Terriers ninth in League One and in the hunt for a play-off place.

Manning was head coach of Oxford for eight months in 2023 before leaving for Bristol City with the Yellows second in League One.

Since then, he guided the Robins to the Championship play-offs last season before enduring an unsuccessful spell at Norwich City at the start of the current campaign before being sacked in November.