Bristol City supporters unveiled a giant tifo display at Ashton Gate before Saturday’s game against Leeds United to pay tribute to Liam Manning’s late baby son.
Manning had been on compassionate leave following the tragic death of Theo John Manning earlier this month.
But the Robins boss returned to the dugout on Saturday and he was given a rousing welcome by the home fans.
Those fans – who chanted Manning’s name before, during and after the game – also came together to create a colourful display in honour of Theo.
Using white and red paper signs, fans at Ashton Gate spelled out the words ‘Fly high’.
Bristol City boss Liam Manning pictured on Saturday during his team’s game against Leeds
Before the game, fans at Ashton Gate paid tribute to Manning’s baby son, who died recently
The giant screen also displayed the message: ‘Fly high Theo’, while some fans left flowers outside the stadium.
Meanwhile, two banners in one corner of the ground read: ‘Theo John Manning you’ll always be, City with me’.
Among the crowd on Saturday was Manning’s wife Fran and their other son Isaac.
The game ended 0-0 – a result which left the Robins with 16 points from 12 games in this season’s EFL Championship.
Leeds are seven points better off and have still only lost once in the league all season.
The message ‘Fly high Theo’ was displayed on the big screen before kick off as fans applauded
Some fans also brought flowers to Ashton Gate as a mark of respect for the Manning family
Manning’s wife Fran and their other son Isaac were among the crowd at Saturday’s match
Fans had paid similar tributes to Theo at other games earlier in October.
Speaking before Saturday’s game, Manning expressed his gratitude.
He said in a statement: ‘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.’
