2023 finished in the most spectacular of ways for The New Saints’ Declan McManus – and he’s hoping for more of the same in the new year.
After being forced off injured in the second league game of the season, the back-to-back JD Cymru Premier golden boot winner spent four months on the sidelines but when he returned to action, he did it in incredible style – coming on as sub against Penybont on December 16 and scoring a sublime free-kick with his very first touch.
“I ran straight off the bench to hit the free-kick and somehow it ended up in the top corner!” laughs the centre forward. “I was just hoping to hit the target after so long out, if I’m honest, but thankfully it managed to go in.”
It has been a long road to recovery for McManus, who explains that the injury problem was one that had been lingering for a while, and flared up in pre-season.
“I had tears in my left adductor, right adductor, PLAC and a hernia on my left side while playing in Europe and also the first two opening league matches of this season,” he says.
“The plan from me and the club was to play against Pontypridd [on 19 August] and then have around six weeks off with specialist help, but 51 minutes in, my left adductor had enough and completely snapped off the bone.”
Having made his peace with the idea of six weeks off, going through surgery and then months of recovery was difficult to come to terms with.
“I just tried to work hard, and my wife and kids really helped massively – they kept me busy and sane throughout!” he smiles.
With TNS on top of the table and still unbeaten, McManus comes back to add even more goalscoring threat to a side that’s firing on all cylinders – and in all competitions.
“The boys have been magnificent since I was out, and made it a great time to come back as I’m coming back into a team that’s battling for four trophies which is amazing and exciting to come into, and almost makes me feel like I’ve not missed out!” he chuckles.
“My own personal goals would normally be minimum 20 goals and to be honest I’ve worked hard when being off so I’m going to be super tough on myself and try get that anyway – but I’ve only got six at the minute so a lot of work to be done!
“I want to do everything I can to help the team and club win all four trophies as that would truly be an amazing season – even with four months out and my first long-term injury.”
