EFL reporter Pete O’Rourke has reported via Football Insider that Liam Manning is the leading candidate to succeed Lee Grant as Huddersfield Town manager.
Grant was dismissed following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Burton Albion, a result that saw the Terriers slip to sixth place in League One and fall 16 points adrift of leaders Cardiff, despite having played a game more. While the former goalkeeper enjoyed a positive start at the John Smith’s Stadium — winning five of his first seven matches — consistency proved elusive as the season progressed.
Manning’s reputation has taken a hit following his difficult spell at Norwich City, although his longer-term work at Bristol City remains well regarded. He spent 18 months at Ashton Gate after leaving Oxford United in November 2023, at a point when the U’s were second in League One and pushing for promotion.
O’Rourke believes Manning is now well placed to return to management quickly. Writing on X, he said:
“Former Norwich and Bristol City boss Liam Manning has emerged as the front-runner to be the new Huddersfield Town manager. Lincoln boss Michael Skubala was also a target but he is unlikely to leave Lincoln.”
During his time at Bristol City, Manning initially guided the Robins to an 11th-place finish, losing just one of his final seven games of that campaign and generating optimism among supporters.
The following season proved even more successful, with City finishing sixth — their highest league position since Gary Johnson’s side in 2007/08.
That campaign ended in disappointment as Bristol City were beaten 6-0 on aggregate by Sheffield United in the play-offs, a tie played against the backdrop of injuries and a thin squad.
Manning’s decision to leave Ashton Gate for Norwich was influenced by his personal connection to the club, having grown up in the area, as well as their ambition to return to the Premier League.
However, with Norwich struggling and Bristol City enjoying a promising start under Gerhard Struber, the move may now be viewed in a different light.
With Huddersfield considering their next steps, Manning’s past success at Championship level could yet earn him a swift return to the dugout.
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