Huddersfield Town boss Liam Manning's message to ex-Bolton Wanderers striker Dion Charles amid 18-match goal drought

The former Bolton Wanderers striker has had a tough first year at the Accu Stadium since heading to the club for a significant six-figure fee in January 2026.

A mini-renaissance saw him net four times in three games in late autumn. But the 30-year-old has not netted in his last 18 appearances in all competitions.

Asked about Charles and his relationship with him, Manning, whose side visit Stevenage in League One on Saturday, said: "I think it's a really strong relationship with him to be fair.

"I think with all the lads, it's being really open and honest around what's good and what needs to be better.

"I think hat's hugely important and the lads have been great from that that sense and they've been really receptive to being coached, which is obviously a big part in how we work.

"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 or measure or see on an App.

"I think he's definitely helped if you look at how he stretches the back line. It has allowed maybe a Marcus Harness to get in the pocket for example.

"So he does a lot of selfless work for the team which is equally important and he scored goals at that level.

"It's natural for any striker to have periods where you they're on a good streak and they score some goals. Then at the same time, they don't (in others) and I think the biggest bit for any of our attacking players is they'll probably get more time if they really contribute out of possession and give that,

"When you look at Dion, he's worked extremely hard defensively, so that will naturally buy him more time and it's probably the same for all the front players."