Bristol City fans are planning a huge display of support and love for the club’s head coach Liam Manning and his family at this Saturday’s home game, the first at Ashton Gate since the club announced the tragic death of Liam’s newborn son Theo.
Thousands of pounds have been donated to an appeal to make the visual tribute happen ahead of this Saturday’s televised game at home to Leeds United, with those behind the appeal pledging to pass on any surplus funds donated to a charity of the Manning family’s choice.
Fans group Section 82 said they wanted to do something to show ‘our love, support and solidarity’ to the Manning family and friends, who are grieving the loss of little Theo.
Liam Manning’s best friend and assistant head coach Chris Hogg has taken over first team duties to allow Manning time compassionate leave with his wife Fran and son Isaac, and led the team to an emotional 2-0 win away at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
City’s away fans unfurled two large banners that read ‘Fly High Theo’ and after the game, the players went to the corner where the City fans were and lined up behind one of those banners, to thank the fans for their support.
Section 82, which regularly organises colourful displays with flags and banners in the east end corner of the South Stand, said it wants the whole ground to come together ahead of the 12.30pm kick off against Leeds on Saturday.
“We invite all fans in attendance to come together for a heartfelt display in honour of the Manning family and their loved ones following the tragic news this week, of the unimaginable loss of their recently born son, Theo,” a Section 82 spokesperson said.
“In this time of profound grief, we want to show our love, support and solidarity. Therefore our aim is to create a visual tribute that captures the outpouring of love and condolence shared by City fans, and indeed the entire football community, in support of the Manning family during this unthinkably difficult time,” they added.
The fundraiser is close to the £5,000 target already, and anything extra will go to the Manning family’s chosen charity. Section 82 said they hoped the display will ‘help us to honour Theo’s memory and hopefully provide some comfort to those who loved him dearly.
“Let’s stand together as a football community, showing our love and support for the Mannings,” he said. For more information about Section 82’s Crowdfunder, visit here.