We look at the favourites to become new Huddersfield manager after a decision made to sack Lee Grant following a 3-1 defeat to Burton.
The 42-year-old, in his first managerial role after three years coaching at Ipswich, was appointed on a three-year deal in May 2025.
He picked up 5 wins in the first 7 league games, but the team lost consistency and now find themselves sitting 6th in League One — 10 points off the top two and 16 points behind leaders Cardiff.
Grant becomes the 7th permanent departure from Huddersfield since Carlos Corberán left in 2022 – meaning no boss has lasted a full season at the club since then.
Lee Grant has been relieved of his duties as Huddersfield Town Manager with immediate effect.
Sporting Director Chris Markham will lead the recruitment process to appoint a successor for our Men’s First Team.#htafc
— Huddersfield Town (@htafc) January 17, 2026
Huddersfield fans firmly making their feelings known that they do not want Lee Grant leading this team anymore.
The boos are loud, the fans are united and the fans have seen enough. #HTAFC pic.twitter.com/f4KCRZ59Z5
— Kier Brook (@Kier_Brook) January 17, 2026
CLUB STATEMENT:
Lee Grant has been relieved of his duties as Huddersfield Town Manager with immediate effect.
The decision was made following Saturday afternoon’s loss at Burton Albion, with the result extending a poor run of form that has seen the Club victorious just three times in our last 12 Sky Bet League One fixtures.
Appointed in May 2025, Grant took charge of 36 competitive matches in all competitions.
Huddersfield Town Owner and Chairman Kevin Nagle commented:
“Entering this season with renewed optimism and hope having proactively reshaped our First Team throughout the summer, we were clear about not only our ambitions but how we wanted to achieve them, and the type of team on the pitch we wanted to enjoy alongside our supporters.
“Sadly, on current form, none of those objectives are being met, and with just under half of the season remaining we feel no other option but to make a change to put the side back on track. I would like to thank Lee for his efforts and wish him nothing but the best for his future career. Our previously stated aims and desires for the season remain the same, and we will be making a change with those ambitions still firmly in mind.”
Sporting Director Chris Markham will lead the recruitment process to appoint a successor for our Men’s First Team.
FAVOURITES TO BECOME NEW HUDDERSFIELD MANAGER:
BetVictor – 18th JanLiam Manning – 2/5Michael Skubala – 6/1Andy Woodman – 8/1Karl Robinson – 10/1Alex Revell – 12/1Tony Mowbray – 12/1Darren Ferguson – 12/1Russell Martin – 12/1Leighton Baines – 12/1Steven Gerrard – 12/1Will Still – 14/1John O’Shea – 14/1Michael Beale – 14/1Kevin Muscat – 14/1Noel Hunt – 14/1Damien Duff – 16/1Gary O’Neil – 16/1Omar Riza – 16/1Paddy McCarthy – 20/1Wayne Rooney – 20/1
🗣️”It’s not really for me to put energy and emotion into that.”
Huddersfield Town manager Lee Grant says concerns about his job security are secondary to his focus on improving his side’s performances.
Listen 👉 https://t.co/Wu79kwlmsh#HTAFC | #BBCFootball | #BBCEFL pic.twitter.com/VwzfNlSR2U
— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) January 17, 2026
Grant said after defeat to Burton, per Yorkshire Post: “We created moments today, but we didn’t take them. There has to be more from within, spirit, collective energy and character to go and take that game and put a side that we know we can be better than to the sword.
“For me it comes down to the fight and the duels. Winning the second balls and the spirit, and if we don’t get that right any game can be difficult and today is a case in point.
“There isn’t enough collective will and intent from within and that’s not good enough for the stage we are in.
“I look at Burton and they stayed together; they showed character and belief despite us dominating the ball and they stayed ready for their big moments and took them.”
Here’s how fans reacted amid the favourites to become new Huddersfield manager after a decision was made to sack Lee Grant…
@Lambypie_: Took far too long but the correct decision. Don’t want any of this Pep disease in the next manager. We need to just win games of football & need an experienced manager. It’s Gary Rowett first choice for me.
@DamianSAllen: The players need to take a long hard look at themselves!! They’ve let him , the club and the fans down!! Lee Grant takes the fall for it and, perhaps, rightly so…. But he is far from the only one culpable for the mess we find ourselves in! He’s just the easy target! Sad times!
@temcterrier1977: Came across as a lovely fella who the players probably liked. However wrong coach at wrong club at wrong time with players who have also let him down
@MRXCII: Long overdue but ultimately the correct decision. A nice enough guy, I’m sure, but that doesn’t win you anything on the field, and the writing has been on the wall for some time. The next move is crucial.
@gazthevanman: Good luck Lee. Wasn’t to be, think it was a step too far too early for you. HAVE TO get his replacement right. We cannot sack another manager in a seasons time.
@Mrpauldawson: It’s a shame. There was a lot to like about him and no doubt he worked very hard. The vibes around the team haven’t been right for a while, though. Too much over complicated football with the handbrake on. Hugely underachieving with the resources at his disposal too.
@HtafcDream: Thank god he’s gone. It was an expensive experiment. I wonder if Lee could of been successful with them ass recruitment, no DoF etc. I thought about it and he’s still absolutely terrible as a manager, he tinkered, not a leader and Kev was daft again in decisions
@KazzFTBL: Let players go permanently. Let our 3M striker join another league one team. 3 players signed. Then they sack the manager.. Should have done this ready for the full January window. Now the new manager has to try get 6th some how. What a week, love being a town fan #htafc
@EdwardNuttman: Had to happen. It’s a shame for Grant. It clearly wasn’t working. He’s got us being the top scorers in the league but the defence and style wasn’t working and wasn’t going to get us up. He’s clearly got a future (as an attacking coach at a minimum) but it was time.
@JSS1996_HTAFC: It’s over… It’s finally over! Can’t help but feel this has come slightly too late. Off the pace for automatic spot and regarding play offs, our record against top six is shocking. Not holding my breath for promotion unfortunately 😕. I pray I’m wrong, I really do!
@WillOnYT: Shame it didn’t work out but now it’s time to get in someone who knows what they’re doing even if it’s just short term, we need to push on while there’s still chance of promotion but it’s also on the players to show that they really want to play for the badge now Grants gone.
@HookeyR: Sorry it didn’t work out. It was probably the right move, and I hope you find success in your next role. HTAFC must find a coach who can get the best out of these players, as responsibility doesn’t lie solely with the coaching staff.
