“I’LL GIVE EVERYTHING I’VE GOT FOR EVERYONE HERE” – MCMANUS
New Limerick signing Tam McManus says that he will “give everything he’s got for everyone here” after his move to the club was confirmed after receiving International Clearance on Friday afternoon.
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The 33-year-old Glasgow native made over 100 appearances for Hibernian in his early days and, amongst others, went on to play for Dunfermline Athletic, Colorado Rapids in the MLS and Derry City in the League of Ireland, that spell coming in 2009.
During his career, he was also on the books of Airdrieonians in the early 2000s for a short loan spell at the same time that current Superblues boss Stuart Taylor was there, with the pair keeping in touch since.
Now, he has penned a deal with Limerick and he is set for his debut against Drogheda United at Thomond Park on Friday night.
“I’m delighted to sign,” Tam told LimerickFC.ie. “Obviously, I’ve been here a couple of weeks now working away behind the scenes, training hard. I’m glad that everything has been sorted out and I can sign.
“I’ve been quite friendly with Stuart for a number of years. I was supposed to go back to America but that fell through at the last minute.
“Rather than going back to Scotland and playing for a couple of months, I had a look at Ireland because I knew the season was just starting and I could have the chance to have a few weeks to get ready to play.
“I contacted Stuart and he invited me over on trial for a couple of days’ training and it all went from there. I had a couple of other options actually in Ireland but this was the place that I wanted to come.”
Asked how his spell back in the United States went, McManus added: “America was fantastic. I played there in 2008 for Colorado Rapids in the MLS.
“From that, I managed to get back over for the last two seasons with Rochester in New York. It’s a league below the MLS but it’s a very decent standard. It’s a place that I’d like to go back to in the future and obviously coach.
“I’m really glad to be back in Ireland just now. I had a good spell at Derry City, I know the league and I know a lot of players in the league, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.”
McManus has also been impressed by the quality in Limerick’s squad, stating: “A lot of the younger players have got a big future in the game if they continue to improve and listen to the manager.
“We’ve still got a number of experienced players to come back into the team. I think once that happens then we’ll start to fly up the league.
“Ever since I came in on day one, all the boys have been brilliant with me. I get on well with everybody. The young lads are all very respectful as well and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s a great dressing-room.
“The standard of the squad has been excellent. Obviously, I’ve played all over the place. Some of the younger lads are very good, they have good techniques. The most important thing is that a lot of guys here listen to the manager.
“I think that’s a massive thing in young players, that they listen to the coaches – not just Stuart but Anthony (Fennelly) and Eddie (Hickey). That’s a big thing I’ve noticed here – they’re all very respectful to the coaches and experienced players and they’ve all got a good chance in the game.”
League of Ireland fans will know McManus from his spell with Derry, and even now at 33, he feels he still has plenty to give.
“I still feel that I’ve got a lot to offer,” he said. “I’m a bit older now and I may not be as quick as I used to be, but I’ve still got the experience in and around the box.
“With the young players here, with the legs I’ve got and the athleticism, I think I can duck-tail nicely into that, get myself into the box and get goals.”
Asked of his relationship with Taylor, Tam explained: “You’re talking about a long time ago now, about 15 years ago, and I went out on loan to Airdrie in the First Division.
“Stuart was a player there. I didn’t drive at the time so Stuart was actually my chauffeur for the month I was there! I wouldn’t say we’re best mates but we keep in touch every now and again.
“I always kept an eye on what he did in his career; he had a good career. He did very well at Hamilton under Billy Reid. I was on the end of a few hidings from his teams. He has come in here, he’s learning every day and he’s got a massive future in the game.
“It’s not an old friend’s act here. If I’m not doing my business, I won’t be playing – I’ll be sitting in the stands.
“It will be harder for me probably than any other player here. I’ve got to produce. I know the pressure is on me but I can deal with that. I’ll give everything I’ve got for the club, the supporters and the manager.”
Article Date: Friday 28 March 2014