Having played a key role in Sligo Rovers’ mid-season renaissance in 2025, midfielder James McManus is keen to make his mark once again for the Bit O’Red this season.
The energetic box-to-box midfielder has returned to the Showgrounds on loan from Bohemians until the end of this season and is aiming to play his part in this Friday’s Connacht derby with Galway United.
The Republic of Ireland underage international featured 15 times for Rovers last season, scoring in an FAI Cup game against Dundalk at Oriel Park. The St Kevin’s Boys graduate was a key figure in our rise from the foot of the table to guaranteeing Premier Division safety on the final day of the season at Tallaght Stadium.
Learning from and lining out under Rovers manager John Russell has made its mark on the young Dubliner, who turns 21 in March. He says Russell’s input into his development to date was a major swaying factor in his choice to return to the north west.
“It was a very simple decision for me to make, being honest”, James tells sligorovers.com.
“It feels like John is a massive influence on every player who comes here. He’s proven time and time again that he can get the best out of young players.
“I’ve never enjoyed my football as much as playing under him last year. He gives players such freedom to express themselves and this played such a big part in coming back here.
“I loved my time playing for Rovers last year and once I knew John was interested in bringing me back, the decision really made itself.”
McManus’ signature was confirmed just hours before the January deadline on Sunday evening. He feels he has an advantage now given that he will be more than familiar with his surroundings and team-mates having spent those four months at the Showgrounds last term.
“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead. It’s a huge opportunity for me. I think I showed the Rovers fans what I could do last year but maybe in glimpses. I want to kick-on on now and make a big impact back here.
“I built some really great relationships here last year so settling in again won’t be an issue. Players like Jad (Hakiki) and Ryan (O’Kane) are such gifted, technical footballers and they’re the sort of lads you want to be playing around. It’s very exciting to link up with them again.
“The new players are very impressive too as John has signed lads who have experience of playing in the league already. That’s something that I think is vital. Archie (Meekison) is here now too and I would have played plenty with him at Bohs. He’s a really explosive player who will only improve further under John.
“We now have to aim high and set the standards from early on. We went on a great run from the middle of the season last year and it ended up making a huge difference in the end.
“We have to look forward now but take each game as it comes. The league was so competitive last season and will be more-so this year. I’m very proud to be part of it all again this year!”
Welcoming McManus back to the fold, Russell tells sligorovers.com that he feels as if James’ addition is a natural choice.
“I think our supporters won’t need me to explain in too great detail why I brought James back.
“Anyone who saw him play for us last season will see how intelligent he is and how he can dictate play. He can do a bit of everything which is a dream for any manager. I’ve been a massive fan of him for a few years and it’s a delight to have him here again in our colours.
“I feel he gives us something that we’ve been missing in our first three games and I know from speaking to him the last few weeks how keen he was to come back here and continue the work he started last summer.
“He’s gone straight back into training and it’s like he’s never left. We’re excited to see how he can do this year, starting with the derby on Friday, we hope.”
David Goulden