Bristol City manager Liam Manning has thanked Bristol City supporters and the ‘wider football family’ for their “truly overwhelming support” in a heartfelt message, published on Friday, October 25.
The Robins manager in an emtional statement thanked everyone following the tragic death of his baby son Theo.
Liam said: “In what has been the most difficult time of mine and my family’s life, it has been truly overwhelming the support we have received from the Bristol City supporters and the wider football family. From the England Under-21s game at Ashton Gate, to the game at Middlesbrough, we have been truly touched by the response and feel proud to have been able to share Theo’s name.
“The Lansdowns, Brian Tinnion, Chris Hogg and the staff and players have been incredible and I am fortunate to work with such great people. Finally, life is extremely precious – enjoy the good times, stick together in the tough times, but most importantly make the most of the time that we have.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I look forward to seeing you at the game tomorrow.”
The Bristol City manager took a period of absence from his role following the tragic death of his baby son earlier this month. Theo John Manning was recently born to Liam and his wife Fran, who also have another son, Isaac.
The club said on October 14 that it was “deeply saddened” to announce that baby Theo had passed away. A spokesperson for the club at the time went on to say: “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.”
Liam Manning’s recent message confirms that he will be back at Ashton Gate for his team’s match against Leeds United today (Saturday, October 26). A huge display has been planned in the Dolman and South Stands to honour baby Theo and show yet more support for the Manning family during this time.
The Dolman and South Stand tribute to Theo John Manning
According to the official Bristol City FC website: “Following some incredible fundraising, Section 82 have planned a large-scale display in the Dolman and South Stands to honour Theo John Manning ahead of Saturday’s match against Leeds United. The club thanks the supporters for the amazing generosity and the organisers have shared the following information…
- Information: Every seat in both the Dolman and South Stands will have a red or white sheet placed in a specific pattern. Please do not move or swap these sheets.
- Timing: Please hold off on using the sheets until AFTER the minute’s applause for Theo, which will follow the minute’s silence for Remembrance. As we will of course also be proudly acknowledging the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life in years gone by, and still today.
- Tribute: After the Armistice Day silence, there will be a minute’s applause for Theo, accompanied by a tribute on the stadium screens.
- Final Instructions: Once the screens change AGAIN, to display the message FLY HIGH THEO, please IMMEDIATELY raise your sheet above/in front of your head (but facing the pitch, not the sky!) and hold it there until kick-off.
“Thank you for your incredible support, and we cannot wait to see fans pack the Gate tomorrow.”