The head coach has agreed to leave by mutual consent

Former MK Dons boss Liam Manning has agreed to leave Huddersfield Town after being granted compassionate leave earlier this year.

The 40-year-old stepped back from his role in charge of the Terriers in March following ‘ongoing personal matters relating to the tragic passing of his newborn son Theo in October 2024.’

Manning was in charge at Stadium MK for 16 months from 2021-22, helping the club to finish third in League One, missing out on automatic promotion by a point to Rotherham United, then led by current head coach Paul Warne.

After spells at Oxford United, Bristol City and Norwich City, Manning took over at Huddersfield earlier this season but took compassionate leave after just a few months.

The Terriers missed out on the League One play-offs under caretaker watch of Jon Stead, and with the culmination of the season, the club have agreed with Manning to part ways.

In a statement, the ex-Dons head coach said: “Stepping down from Huddersfield Town has been a difficult decision, but one I feel is best for the club, my family and myself at this time.

"It has been a privilege to manage this team and be a part of this community. I am grateful to the fans for their support and compassion in recent months.

“The understanding and care from the club has gone above and beyond, and I would like to thank (owner) Kevin Nagle, (sporting director) Chris Markham, the wider first team staff and players for their professionalism, commitment and dedication in my absence.

“Although my time was shorter than I had hoped, I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Huddersfield Town owner and chairman Kevin Nagle added: “I want to pay huge tribute to Liam. Stepping away from this role is the correct decision for him and his family, and that comes before absolutely everything else. His openness and honesty about this situation have been second-to-none.

“His time at Huddersfield Town had been relatively short but he has shown a deep care and respect for the club in how he has dealt with us. He will always be a Terrier and is always welcome back at Accu Stadium.”