With 290 appearances against his name Scott McManus has pulled on the FC Halifax Town shirt on more than any other player. Here we will take a look at the left backs career.
Growing up in Prestwich Greater Manchester McManus was an apprentice at Manchester United. His sister Abbie would later go on to play for Manchester City and is part of England’s World Cup squad this summer.
McManus would not progress past apprentice level and was released, the defender went to local side Prestwich Heys. McManus played for three years for his local team before been picked up by then Northern Premier League side Curzon Ashton.
McManus would not make a professional appearance for The Nash though. In a pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest he impressed so much that offers from Forest and Crewe Alexandria were on the table for. McManus chose League One side Crewe over Championship outfit Forest.
For the 2008/09 season McManus spent most of his time in the reserves. McManus finally got his first team opportunity when new manager Gudjon Thordarson towards the end of the season. McManus would only make six appearances at his two years at the club.
Having been released by Crewe McManus joined FC United of Manchester for a season in 2010/11 before joining The Shaymen.
Initially starting as a centre-half McManus struggled to get going early on n the season. Neil Aspin soon moved him over to his preferred left back position and occasionally McManus would play as a winger. McManus excelled back in familiar territory, the side enjoyed an FA Cup run which saw McManus score a late winner against Tadcaster Albion which eventually saw The Shaymen come up against League One side Charlton Atheltic. Town finished McManus ended his first season with The Shaymen with numerous end of season awards.
McManus would have to wait to carry over that first season form due to a groin injury. He managed to fight his way back into the starting 11 and played a key role in The Shaymen getting to the Conference North play-off final and gaining promotion after beating Brackley Town 1-0.
A certain highlight in McManus’ career has to be part of the Town side that went to Wembley and beat Grimsby Town for The FA Trophy. McManus was also the man on the day to get on the score sheet, the defender lobbed the keeper with his supposedly weaker foot from 22 yards three minutes into the second half.
In May 2018 McManus announced he would be leaving The Shaymen to join Coalville Town to be closer to his home in the Midlands.
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