England Under 21s set to pay tribute to the baby son of Bristol City boss Liam Manning after he tragically passed away – as they prepare to wear black armbands for clash with Azerbaijan

The England Under 21 side will wear black armbands on Tuesday in memory of the son of Bristol City boss Liam Manning.

Bristol City announced on Monday that Manning is set to take a period of absence with his family following the tragic death of his baby son Theo. 

The Robins have not put a timescale on the 38-year-old’s absence and said football duties will be carried out by his assistant Chris Hogg in the interim. 

And, ahead of England Under 21s clash with Azerbaijan on Tuesday night, it was revealed by Henry Winter that the Young Lions will honour Theo by wearing black armbands.

It is a particularly poignant tribute given the match – which is a European Championship qualifier – is taking place at Ashton Gate, Bristol City’s home ground. 

It was revealed on Monday that the son of Bristol City head coach Manning had passed away

Bristol City subsequently announced that Manning was set to take a leave of absence

In a statement on Monday, Bristol City had said: ‘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 took the job at Ashton Gate in November 2023 after spells at Lommel in Belgium as well as MK Dons and Oxford United. 

He steered them to an 11th-place finish in the Championship last campaign and this season they sit 16th. 

Former club Oxford offered their condolences on X, writing: ‘Everyone at Oxford United is deeply saddened by the passing of Liam Manning’s recently born son, Theo. 

England’s clash with Azerbaijan is taking place at Ashton Gate, Bristol City’s home ground

Manning is taking time out with his wife Fran (pictured) and son Isaac in a period of mourning

‘We send our deepest condolences to Liam, his wife Fran, and their son Isaac during this incredibly difficult time. The whole Oxford United family and community of supporters is behind you, Liam. We are always United.’ 

Manning had taken over at Oxford in March 2023 and guided the club to safety in League One before taking them to second in November last year when he joined Bristol City, with the club eventually getting promoted. 

The Robins are unbeaten in four games and have trips to Middlesbrough and Stoke upcoming, before they welcome Leeds to Ashton Gate on October 26.  

Meanwhile, England Under 21s currently sit second in their qualifying group, two points behind Ukraine, although they did secure a crucial 2-1 victory against them on Friday night.