Liam Manning, manager of Huddersfield Town

Huddersfield Town head coach Liam Manning has stepped aside from his duties after agreeing an extended absence of compassionate leave for the remainder of the League One season.

The 40-year-old, who took over the club in January, has stepped aside with immediate affect with Martin Drury and Jon Stead now in charge of first team matters as the Terriers prepare for their final seven games of the season and a possible run to the play-offs.

The League One club said in a statement, that 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".

Theo tragically died shortly after he was born, with Manning taking time away during that period when Bristol City boss.

Huddersfield Town have released a statement which reads: “Huddersfield Town Men’s First Team Head Coach Liam Manning has been granted compassionate leave for the remainder of the 2025/26 Sky Bet League One season.

“Liam has made the Club aware of ongoing personal matters relating to the tragic passing of his new born son Theo...