mcmanus: the proudest day of my life

David Friel
STEPHEN McMANUS was this afternoon officially paraded as the new club captain of Celtic and immediately declared it the proudest day of his life.

The 24-year-old, who has also signed a new four-year deal, has been chosen by manager Gordon Strachan as the ideal man to lead Celtic into a new era.

And McManus promised Hoops fans that he will do everything in his power to deliver more silverware over the coming years.

“It’s a great honour for me,” said Celtic captain as he sat in the club’s boardroom. “I wanted to get the contract sorted and the captaincy is a massive bonus. It’s definitely the proudest day of my life so far.

“I don’t know what I’ll bring to the role. That’s up for other people to talk about. I can only be the type of person that I am and hopefully it’s good enough for a Celtic captain. I’ll be doing my best to make sure it is.

“I’m not going to change the way I am. I’m not going to try and emulate certain people. I’m going to be my own man and we’ll see how it goes.”

McManus is no stranger to the armband, having deputised on several occasions for Neil Lennon last season, and also leading Celtic out during most of the club’s pre-season friendly matches over the last month.

Having been brought up a Celtic supporter, he knows all about the responsibility that comes with the job. Yet, it’s something he relishes - not fears.

McManus said: “My performances will tell if it helps me, but it’s a responsibility that I do enjoy. It’s something that I have always had coming through the ranks and we’ll see how it goes.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the times I’ve worn the armband before and, after speaking to the manager, I was just delighted to be in his thoughts. It was a massive boost for me, but I’m not getting carried away.

“I know when you are the captain of a club this size, everything comes on top of you. It’s important that you have a wise head on your shoulders and I’ll certainly have that.

“You are judged at this club on winning trophies. It doesn’t matter if you’re the captain or a player, you’re judged on winning trophies and matches. That’s what we’ll strive to do.

“I’m willing to learn and I have a drive and determination to be the best player I can be. I’ve done alright in the last few years, but I’m far from the finished article.

“There is still a long way to go and I think it’s important to want to learn and become the complete player. I’m only 24 and I’m in the right place to get better.

“First and foremost though, I want to be the captain of a winning side. You’re only as good as your team-mates and it’s not just about me – it’s about the team.”

The present Celtic side contains many big characters, but McManus has also been lucky enough to work alongside some of the most decorated players in the club’s history.

He added: “I’ve been really fortunate to come through the ranks at a club like Celtic. When I was breaking through, people like Henrik Larsson and Paul Lambert were here and you do look and learn from them.

“Guys like those two, and Neil Lennon, pass on their experience and that can only help make you a better player.

“I’ve spoken to Neil a few times since he left and he wished me all the best, saying that he hoped I’d get the captaincy. I still keep in contact with a lot of ex-players and that’s good. It means I can go to them, as well as the manager, for advice if I need it.”