Bristol City boss Liam Manning to take leave of absence after tragic death of young son
Head coach Liam Manning of Bristol City has announced that he would take a leave of absence following the untimely death of his newborn son.
In Manning’s absence, assistant coach Chris Hogg will assume full responsibility for football.
“Everyone at Bristol City Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Liam’s recently born
son Theo John Manning,” a statement from Bristol City said.
“We are confident that during this trying time, Liam, his wife Fran, and their baby Isaac will receive
the deepest sorrow and condolences from Bristol City’s supporters as well as the larger football community.
“Chris Hogg will handle all football-related responsibilities while Liam is away.
“We ask that the privacy of Liam and his family is respected during this time.”
Several clubs across the English football pyramid offered their condolences on social media,
including Fulham, Leeds, Bristol Rovers and Norwich City.
“So sorry to hear this, sending all our love to Liam and his family,” Fulham said in response to
Bristol City’s post making the announcement.
“Everyone at Ipswich Town sends their love to Liam and the Manning family. We’re thinking of you all,” Ipswich said.
“Everyone at Bristol Rovers sends our love and sincerest condolences to Liam and the Manning family at this horrendously sad time,” Bristol Rovers said.
“The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Liam and his family at this devastating time,” Leeds said.
The Robins’ away trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday will mark Hogg’s debut as interim manager.
After working primarily with academy teams at Ipswich and Newcastle from 2015 to 2020, it would
be Hogg’s first game as manager of a senior side.
As an assistant at MK Dons in August 2021, Hogg became a member of Manning’s coaching staff.
In March 2023, he joined the latter at Oxford United in the same capacity.
The two were with The U’s for eight months before to moving to Ashton Gate last November.
Bristol City was 11 points outside of the playoffs after finishing 11th in the Championship the
previous season under Manning.
The Robins’ 11th-place performance was their best since their strong eighth-place finish in the
2018–19 season.
With two victories, five draws, and two losses, Manning’s team has 11 points from nine games this
season, good for 16th place in the standings.
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