Bristol City Manager Liam Manning Set To Take Leave After Death Of Newborn Son Theo

Bristol City manager Liam Manning is set to take a brief leave from football following the death of his newborn baby Theo John Manning. The club issued an official statement on social media, announcing that Manning’s assistant Chris Hogg will be assuming management duties during the manager’s leave. The championship side, however, did not mention the exact period of the 39-year-old’s absence from the sport. “Liam will take a period of absence and all football duties will be carried out by Chris Hogg,” the statement read.

The official statement released by Bristol City refrained from providing the exact reason behind Theo John Manning’s passing away. It even urged fans to respect the English manager’s privacy during this difficult phase.

The message read, “Everyone at Bristol City Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Liam’s recently born son Theo John Manning. We know that Bristol City’s supporters and the wider football family will share their condolences and deepest sympathy with Liam, his wife Fran and their son Issac during this difficult period. We ask that the privacy of Liam and his family be respected during this time.”

Liam Manning arrived at Bristol City last year in November. He was appointed head coach on a three-and-a-half-year deal. He was previously a part of Championship side Oxford United. Manning also held roles in other clubs including MK Dons. West Ham and New York City FC.

Oxford United also shared a heartfelt message for their ex-manager in the comments. “Everyone at Oxford United is deeply saddened by the passing of Liam Manning’s recently born son, Theo. The whole Oxford United family and community of supporters is behind you, Liam. We are always United,” they wrote.

MK Dons also shared a warm message and conveyed, “Devastating news. Everyone at MK Dons sends their love and support to Liam Manning and his family.”

Liam Manning’s brief absence is likely going to be a big blow for Bristol City FC. They have already been struggling with form this season, occupying the 16th place on the points table. Bristol City have played nine games so far, winning on two occasions. They are next set to face Middlesbrough on Saturday, October 19.