Ex-Manchester United player sacked by EFL club just eight months into first managerial job

Huddersfield Town have announced that manager Lee Grant has been sacked just eight months into his tenure.

Grant was relieved of his duties less than five hours after the Terriers were beaten 3-1 away at Burton Albion on Saturday.

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The ex-Manchester United goalkeeper was handed his first-ever managerial job at the Accu Stadium in May.

However, after winning just 17 of his 36 games in charge, he has now been dismissed with Huddersfield sitting sixth in League One.

They were tipped to be one of the leading favourites to go back up to the Championship in pre-season.

But they are currently 10 points off the automatic promotion spots after 27 games and form has been wavering.

In a statement released on Saturday night, the club wrote: “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.”

Owner Kevin Nagle added: “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.”

Huddersfield’s sporting director, Chris Markham, is set to lead the process to find a replacement for Grant.

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Huddersfield fans get their wish

Grant has been sacked just hours after the Huddersfield fans made their feelings known about him in Burton.

They sang songs against their manager at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday, chanting: ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning.”

Supporters also chanted: “Lee Grant, get out of our club.”

Boos also came from the away end at full-time, with the Huddersfield hierarchy clearly taking into account the discontent.

The Terries started the season with five wins from seven under Grant, having spent plenty of money in the summer transfer window.

But since then, they have only won six of the following 20 games, with the manager now succumbing to the growing pressure.

More to follow…