Bristol City head coach Liam Manning set to take a leave of absence after his baby son Theo’s death

Bristol City head coach Liam Manning will take a period of absence following the death of his baby son Theo.

City 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.

The club 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.

Manning is taking time out with his wife Fran and son Isaac during a period of mourning  

‘We ask that the privacy of Liam and his family is respected during this time.’

Manning took the job at Ashton gate in November 2023 after spells at Lommel in Belgium as well as MK Dons and Oxford United. 

He steered them to an 11th-place finish in the Championship last campaign and this season they sit 16th. 

Formed club Oxford offered their condolences on X, writing: ‘Everyone at Oxford United is deeply saddened by the passing of Liam Manning’s recently born son, Theo. 

‘We send our deepest condolences to Liam, his wife Fran, and their son Isaac during this incredibly difficult time. The whole Oxford United family and community of supporters is behind you, Liam. We are always United.’ 

Manning had taken over at Oxford in March 2023 and guided the club to safety in League One before taking them to second in November last year before leaving, with the club eventually getting promoted. 

Bristol are currently unbeaten in four games and have trips to Middlesbrough and Stoke upcoming, while they welcome Leeds to Ashton Gate on October 26.