What Liam Manning said to Bristol City supporters after Norwich City move | OneFootball

The former Bristol City boss has penned an emotional letter to Robins supporters after his Norwich City switch was confirmed.

Liam Manning has penned an emotional goodbye message to Bristol City Football Club and its supporters after leaving Ashton Gate to become Norwich City's new manager.

The 39-year-old was confirmed as the new Canaries boss on 3 June, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter at Carrow Road.

It did, however, close his Bristol City chapter, having been appointed as Robins boss back in November 2023.

During his time at Ashton Gate, Manning would guide Bristol City to an 11th-placed finish in 2023/24, before steering the club to their first Championship play-off appearance since their promotion to the second tier back in 2015, finishing sixth.

As a result, he became a hugely popular figure among Robins supporters, whilst it will also no doubt be painful to see one of the EFL's brightest young managers leave them for a fellow Championship rival.

Liam Manning sends heartfelt Bristol City message after Norwich City move confirmed

Speaking via the League Managers Association website on 6 June, Manning wrote a lengthy and emotional letter to everyone connected with Bristol City, following his move to Norwich.

"As I reflect on the past 18 months, I find it very difficult not to mix the personal and professional emotions," Manning began.

"Losing Theo was the hardest thing my family and I have ever been through, but the amazing response and support from the fans – as well as the wonderful people of the city of Bristol – was incredibly heartfelt, and I could not be more grateful.

"The game has a wonderful way of bringing people together, and collectively we were able to experience some great moments. From the games against West Ham in the FA Cup last year to reaching the play-offs this season – the support just showed how much this club means to its fans.

"The players are consummate professionals and a great group of people, and I am extremely proud of the progress we made over the last year-and-a-half. They always gave absolutely everything and it was a pleasure to work alongside them all.

"There is also a wonderful collection of individuals driving a positive culture behind the scenes that allows the players to perform. To the board, Brian Tinnion and staff – I thank you all for your input, involvement and contribution. Your work never went unnoticed.

"As is often the case in football, things evolve and change. It was a difficult decision to depart, but an exciting opportunity for me to continue my management career in a new environment has presented itself.

"Finally, to the supporters. I leave having met some terrific people with whom I’ve shared so many positive memories. I will be forever grateful for your love and support throughout and, for that, thank every single one of you.

"I wish nothing but success for everybody associated with Bristol City Football Club.”

Liam Manning is going to be tough for Bristol City to replace

Manning is certainly one of the better managers Bristol City have had in their dugout in recent times.

Working on a comparatively smaller budget than many of the other promotion contenders in the Championship, through shrewd business and top coaching, the 39-year-old was able to construct a squad that has gone as close as any Robins side to reaching the Premier League over the last decade.

Respectfully, it was a side that didn't contain any real flashy names either. Instead, he brought in players that he knew could perform specific roles in his system well, and coached up certain players he inherited, such as Ross McCrorie, George Tanner, Zak Vyner and Jason Knight, to play some of their best football in their Ashton Gate careers under him.

Manning formed a real and genuine bond with the Bristol City faithful, one that was forever cemented through the tragic loss of his baby son, Theo, in mid-October last year.

Whether it's that bond, Manning's personality and class as a human being, or his evident ability to be an excellent manager both now and in the future, his successor will have some almighty shoes to fill.

Therefore, it's crucial that Bristol City get this next appointment right. Clearly, they have a playing squad that, with a few more quality additions, can really challenge for Premier League promotion.