Exclusive: New favourite to manage Huddersfield Town revealed after sacking

Liam Manning has emerged as the favourite to replace Lee Grant as Huddersfield manager, sources have told Football Insider.

Manning is out of work after leaving Norwich City earlier this season, having been dismissed for leaving his side 23rd in the table.

The 40-year-old won just three of his 17 games in charge at Carrow Road, and was replaced by Philippe Clement.

Oxford United considered a move for Manning after sacking Gary Rowett, but instead appointed Matt Bloomfield.

Manning is the odds-on favourite to take over at Huddersfield, with the Englishman’s return to League One now looking likely.

Huddersfield confirm Lee Grant sack

Grant spent eight months in charge of Huddersfield, in what was the first managerial role of his career.

The former goalkeeper spent some time as an assistant coach at Ipswich Town, but had not stepped into the dugout himself until he was appointed by the Terriers in May.

While his time in charge had its positive elements, Grant’s team ultimately conceded far too many goals.

Just five League One teams have conceded as many or more goals than Huddersfield, who have conceded 38 in 27 games.

The Terriers are also the league’s highest scorers, having netted 46 across those games, but results have been inconsistent.

After four consecutive League One games without victory, decision-makers made the decision to relieve Grant of his duties.

In a statement on Saturday, they confirmed that the former Man United goalkeeper has been dismissed with immediate effect, and that sporting director Chris Markham will lead the process to find his replacement.

Liam Manning’s record in League One

Manning’s time at Norwich was truly awful, but it should be forgotten that the 40-year-old has enjoyed strong stints before it.

League One is the division in which the Englishman has had the most experience, and the most success as well.

Manning took Oxford United to second in League One in the 2023-24 season before leaving for Bristol City, and he almost took MK Dons up in the 2021-22 season.

Huddersfield are in a position in which the play-offs are well in sight, and they will hope that, should they appoint Manning, he can have a similar effect.

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