The England Under-21 team is set to wear black armbands during their match on Tuesday to pay tribute to Theo, the late son of Bristol City manager Liam Manning.
This gesture comes as the football community rallies around Manning and his family following this heartbreaking loss.
A Difficult Time for Bristol City
On Monday, Bristol City announced that Liam Manning would be taking a leave of absence to be with his family after the tragic passing of his baby son, Theo.
The club has not specified how long Manning will be away, but they confirmed that assistant coach Chris Hogg will take over his responsibilities during this period.
A Meaningful Tribute
As the Young Lions prepare to face Azerbaijan in a crucial European Championship qualifier at Ashton Gate, the home of Bristol City, this tribute holds special significance.
Notably, the match will be a moment for both teams and their supporters to come together in remembrance of Theo, reflecting the unity within the football community during this sorrowful time.
Club Statement
In a heartfelt statement released on Monday, Bristol City expressed their deep sorrow over Theo’s passing.
They stated, “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 their son Isaac during this difficult period.”
The club also urged everyone to respect the family’s privacy as they navigate this challenging time.
Manning’s Journey
Liam Manning took over the managerial role at Bristol City in November 2023, following successful stints at Lommel in Belgium, MK Dons, and Oxford United.
Under his leadership, the team finished 11th in the Championship last season and currently sits at 16th this year.
His previous club, Oxford United, also expressed their condolences, stating, “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.”
Looking Ahead
Manning had previously guided Oxford to safety in League One and helped them achieve promotion before joining Bristol City.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Robins remain unbeaten in their last four games, with upcoming matches against Middlesbrough and Stoke, followed by a home game against Leeds on October 26.
Meanwhile, the England Under-21 team is currently positioned second in their qualifying group, just two points behind Ukraine.
They recently secured a vital 2-1 victory against Ukraine on Friday, adding to the excitement and intensity of their campaign.
In this difficult time, both the clubs and fans stand united, demonstrating the strength and compassion within the football community.
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