Bristol City manager Liam Manning temporarily steps down after tragic death of his son
BRISTOL CITY boss Liam Manning will take a leave of absence following the death of his son.
His son Theo was a newborn but has tragically passed away.
The Robins announced assistant boss Chris Hogg will take temporary charge while Manning is away.
A statement 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 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.”
Tributes have poured in from the wider sporting community including rugby team Bristol Bears.
Fellow Championship sides Norwich, Blackburn, and Luton have all shared kind words and condolences.
Bristol City will be without Manning for the foreseeable future so Hogg will be in charge for the trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday.
They face a busy fixture list with five matches in 18 days, all in the Championship.
Manning, 39, has been in charge of Bristol City since November last year when he joined from Oxford United.