Bristol City have announced head coach Liam Manning will take a leave of absence after the tragic death of his baby son Theo.
The Championship club have not put a timescale on the 38-year-old’s absence and said football duties will be carried out by his assistant Chris Hogg in the interim. City said in a statement: “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 his son Isaac during this difficult period.
“Liam will take a period of absence, and all football duties will be carried out by Chris Hogg. We ask that the privacy of Liam and his family is respected during this time.”
Manning has been in charge at Ashton Gate since November 2023 and is known for his possession-based, high pressing style of football. Before moving to the Robins, he had spells in charge of MK Dons and Oxford United.
(Image: Michael Regan)
The Robins currently sit 16th in the Championship table, having won two, drawn five and lost two of their opening nine games of the season. They are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Middlesbrough.
In response to the statement, fellow Championship side Norwich City said: “The thoughts of everyone at Norwich City are with Liam and his family at this time.” While West Brom added: “The thoughts of everyone at West Bromwich Albion are with the Manning family at this tragic time.
If he is in charge at the Riverside on Saturday, it will be Hogg’s first game managing a senior side. He has previously worked with academy and Under-23 teams at Ipswich Town and Newcastle United.