The Real EFL has learned that Ipswich Town coach Lee Grant is leaving Portman Road to take up the vacant managerial position at Huddersfield Town, marking a new chapter in his post-playing career.
Grant, who retired from playing in 2022, will be announced later today as the Terriers hunt a turnaround in their fortunes. He has been part of the backroom team at Ipswich during a highly successful spell under Kieran McKenna. and helped oversee the club’s rise to the Premier League, building a solid reputation as a young coach with potential.
His departure comes after Huddersfield’s search for a permanent replacement for Michael Duff, who was dismissed in March following a poor run of form that left the Terriers adrift of the League One play-off race. Jon Worthington, the club’s academy manager and former midfielder, saw out the season in interim charge, but the hierarchy at the John Smith’s Stadium were always likely to seek fresh leadership ahead of a crucial summer.
Grant had been linked with a role at Newport County earlier in May but remained committed to Ipswich at the time. However, the opportunity to manage Huddersfield has proved persuasive, with positive talks between the two parties leading to an agreement.
Huddersfield Eye Promotion Push in 2025/26
The Terriers will now be hoping that Grant’s arrival provides the spark required for a return to form next season. With clubs like Birmingham City, Wrexham, and Charlton Athletic now out of the division, the competition in League One has opened up slightly, and Huddersfield will fancy themselves as contenders.
Chairman Kevin Nagle will be expecting tangible progress after making the decision to part ways with Duff. Huddersfield boast one of the biggest budgets and best infrastructures in the third tier, but expectations will need to be balanced with the reality of a fiercely competitive division.
Writer’s View
Lee Grant’s move to Huddersfield Town is a bold but exciting next step in his coaching career. He’s been in the background during one of Ipswich’s most successful periods in recent memory, and although stepping up to the top job brings its own pressures, it’s an opportunity that makes sense for both parties.
For Huddersfield, the decision to go for a relatively inexperienced manager will raise eyebrows, but the influence of someone who has worked so closely with a tactician like McKenna shouldn’t be underestimated. With the right support in recruitment and a good pre-season, Grant could be the surprise package in League One next season.
From Ipswich’s perspective, losing a member of McKenna’s coaching team is never ideal—especially during a summer of rebuilding—but it’s also a natural consequence of their recent success. Their task now will be to ensure they replace Grant smartly as they look to bounce back to the top flight at the first attempt.
