Liam Manning has been named as Huddersfield Town’s new Head Coach on a long-term contract.
Manning’s move to the Terriers comes just over two months after he was sacked as Norwich manager following a disastrous five-month spell in charge at Carrow Road.
Speaking to htafc.com upon confirmation of his appointment, Manning said that the role “is an honour,” and has vowed to try and write a successful chapter in Huddersfield’s history books.
“Being named Head Coach of Huddersfield Town is an honour, with the size of this opportunity too great to turn down. I am thankful to have been given the trust of such a prestigious role, and I’ll do everything in my power to create some positive history of our own.
“In each discussion with Chris Markham and the Club hierarchy, our wider hopes, desires and aspirations were not only shared, but how we wanted to achieve them was, too. Backed by a passionate and invested Owner and Chairman, there is an excitement and hunger that must be restored in everything that we do, and that work starts now.
“Inheriting an extremely talented and capable First Team squad and staff, I look forward to working closely with them all as we strive to fulfil our potential.
“Having coached against Town on several occasions, I know the size and ferocity of the support here both home and away, and it’s our job to establish a renewed sense of pride both on the pitch and in the stands. We have a lot to still play for this season, and I’m truly excited to get going.”
Huddersfield’s Sporting Director, Chris Markham added that Manning showed “appetite and enthusiasm” for the role and is “delighted” to name him as Lee Grant’s successor after the latter was sacked following a run of three wins in the Terriers’ last 12 League One fixtures.
Markham proceeded to explain that Manning’s arrival is about fulfilling the club’s ambitions beyond this season.
“This recruitment process wasn’t just about finding a good coach, it was as much identifying the right person for Huddersfield Town to fulfil our ambitions both this season and beyond.
“An ambitious appointment that even six months ago would’ve likely been seen as unrealistic, Liam is an impressive person and professional, with his progressive and pragmatic approach to coaching sharing many of the ideals and characteristics that the Club, and most importantly our supporters, value highest.
“We are in the fortunate position that the brand of football and identity of team that our supporters hope for is in complete agreement with both the Club and Liam’s outlook.
“Whether in the stands as a supporter growing up, being behind-the-scenes as an analyst or now as Sporting Director, those expectations haven’t changed and we’ve brought Liam to the Club with that firmly in mind.
“An important decision in both the short and the long-term, this appointment at the head of our Men’s First Team allows us the opportunity to realign our football strategy across the entire Club, with the same principles and beliefs applied here to be present throughout both our Women’s First Team and Academy, reinforcing what it means to be Huddersfield Town.”
Manning’s first match in charge will see Huddersfield host Bradford City on Saturday 24 January at Accu Stadium in a 12:30pm GMT kick-off, live on Sky Sports+ Red Button in the UK.
Leave a Reply