Manning Backs Charles Amid 18-Game Drought
Huddersfield Town head coach Liam Manning has publicly backed striker Dion Charles despite an 18-match goal drought stretching back to November.
The former Bolton Wanderers forward, who joined for a significant six-figure fee in January 2026, enjoyed a brief purple patch earlier in the campaign but has not scored in his last 18 appearances in all competitions.
Manning, however, is keen to emphasise contribution beyond raw numbers.
“I think with all the lads, it’s being really open and honest around what’s good and what needs to be better.
“Dion might not have scored but he does a lot for the team that you might not always necessarily be able to see or track.
“He’s worked extremely hard defensively, so that will naturally buy him more time.”
It is a familiar League One storyline. Strikers are judged on goals, but managers often point to off-the-ball work and structure. Whether patience holds if results turn remains to be seen, but Huddersfield’s approach is clearly one of backing rather than blaming.