Bristol City have announced that manager Liam Manning, a former Town academy player and coach, is taking a leave of absence following the death of his newborn son.
A statement on the Robins’ club website reads: "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.”
Manning was an academy midfielder with the Blues in the early 2000s before returning to Playford Road as a coach later in the decade during which time he met wife Fran, who worked at Town as PA to a number of managers.
In response to a Bristol City’s announcement, Town tweeted: "Everyone at Ipswich Town sends their love to Liam and the Manning family. We're thinking of you all. 💙”
https://x.com/IpswichTown/status/1845861919770505649