Tributes flood in for Bristol City manager and family after death of newborn son

The club announced today that Liam Manning would be taking a leave of absence in light of the tragedy

Tributes have flooded in from across the football world after Bristol City FC announced its manager, Liam Manning, would be taking a leave of absence - following the death of his newborn son.

The club shared the tragic news on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday afternoon (October 14), writing: "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 the condolences and deepest sympathy with Liam, his wife Fran and their 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."

And the news has been met with a flood of well-wishes and support from almost every football club in every league, including Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town FC and Swindon Town FC, to West Ham United and Ipswich Town.

The English Football League (EFL) posted: "This is heartbreaking to hear. Everyone at the EFL sends their collective condolences and thoughts to Liam and his family."

And the Emirates FA Cup joined in the tributes, writing: "Our thoughts are with Liam and his family during this difficult time."

Meanwhile, Sky Sports Football added: "We send our deepest condolences to Liam and his family during this heartbreaking time. Our thoughts are with you."

Even Bristol Rovers set aside their famous rivalry with The Robins, commenting: "Everyone at Bristol Rovers sends our love and sincerest condolences to Liam and the Manning family at this horrendously sad time."

And it is not just other football clubs that have sent their support to Liam Manning and his family, as the Bristol Bears rugby union team posted three heart emojis in response to the news.

Meanwhile, outside of sports, comedian Mark Watson, who was born and grew up in Bristol, also shared his own tribute, writing: "That's absolutely awful. No words are adequate really, but all possible love and good wishes to the Manning family."

And Welsh Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden, posted: "Desperately sad news. Sending love and condolences to Liam and his family."