ALLAN: AGE IS NO BARRIER FOR ME

Published 15 Jun 2010 09:00 0 Comments

Share this

Veteran still believes he can make a big impact

ROCK solid central defender Allan McManus hopes his 18 years experience in Scottish football will help Dumbarton reach the First Division this season.

McManus penned a one-year deal at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium on Wednesday.

The move comes a month after McManus lost his post as Morton assistant boss after the Cappielow club sacked manager James Grady at the end of last season.

But the defender, who turned out for SPL side Hearts for six seasons, insisted he has put his Morton anguish behind him and wants to help his new team-mates with his vast knowledge of the game.

He told Sport Scene: "I hope I can bring experience to the team.

"I want to help the players progress and to be part of a successful team.

"I look forward to being back playing on the park having looked at things on the other side of the fence at Morton.

"I was a bit down after what happened at Morton but I have recharged my batteries and I'm ready to play this season. It's all about me getting back playing football again.

"Dumbarton want to progress as a club in the community and they aim to get into the First Division.

"But they are doing it in the right way and the structure is in place so that was refreshing to see. While a lot of players are humming and hawing to see what clubs want them, Jim Chapman went straight for me.

"He has shown a lot of faith in me and I want to repay him by playing consistently for Dumbarton. McManus may be 35-years-old but the former Airdrie favourite has no plans to hang up his boots at the end of this season.

He said: "I certainly don't think I'm coming to the end of my career.

"People in this country stereotype about players' ages, but it's all about looking after my body.

"I will know when it's time to hang up my boots but if I can contribute to the team and show the manager what I can do then he might keep me on for another season. I look at guys like Davie Weir for inspiration. I still believe in my own ability because before I became assistant manager at Morton, I was playing every week.

"I can play in the First Division so I don't see playing in the Second Division as being a problem."

Sons boss Chapman this week revealed he tried to land McManus last season to strengthen his backline. However, he is delighted to have finally snapped up the experienced defender.

He said: "We looked at a potential loan deal for Allan half way through last season, but then obviously his own circumstances at Morton changed.

"In Allan we have signed a player with some leadership qualities on the pitch as well as what he can give us off the pitch.

"He's still a very fit guy and looks after himself and with some of the club's he's been at I'm sure will bring us some much needed experience.

"Obviously he's not played for a while but after a good pre-season he will be back to what we know he can produce."

And at the other end of the age scale, Dumbarton are closing in on defender Graham Wilson from Cumnock Juniors.

Once the final paperwork is completed, Wilson will make the step-up to the professional ranks after starring in the Ayrshire side's promotion-winning campaign last season.

This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 15 Jun 10

Follow @dumbartonreport

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.