Conor McManus Aims for Strong Comeback After Injury Challenges

Conor McManus, a defender for Brentford B, is poised to make a strong return to competitive football after overcoming a challenging injury period that plagued his 2024/25 season. With the new campaign set to commence, McManus is optimistic as he prepares for a pre-season training camp in Wales that begins on Monday, prior to the team's match against Cheltenham Town on July 28.

In an interview, McManus expressed his determination to regain full match fitness, stating, "I'm getting there slowly but surely, still kind of getting back into match fitness and trying to get the 11-v-11 exposure back into the legs. I feel really good, really fit, and really strong." His positivity reflects a collective spirit within the team, as he noted, "We have a great group this year and a lot of good characters. It’s been really good getting back in and involved."

The previous season was tumultuous for McManus, marked by two separate quad injuries that ultimately sidelined him from significant matches, including the Premier League Cup final and the Professional Development League national final. Despite these setbacks, he remained a crucial contributor to the team’s performance. "I think high highs and low lows kind of summarises it a bit," he reflected. "We had an unbelievable year, and I think all the lads and myself should be so proud of all the work we put in."

McManus described how his injury journey affected his morale, stating, "On a personal note, it was probably not the best with injuries... I felt a bit deflated after that." Nevertheless, he has since channeled his focus toward rehabilitation with the aim of returning "better than ever." He stated, "I’m surrounded by unbelievable staff, and they did their all to get me back out on the pitch and get me stronger and fitter."

Looking ahead, McManus reaffirmed his commitment to the team's success, emphasizing the importance of a gradual approach to recovery and performance. "I have full confidence in myself that no matter what happens, I’m going to work my hardest to get to the position that I was, if not an even better position," he said. He acknowledged the need to excel at the B team level to warrant a return to the first team, emphasizing the significance of maintaining a balanced perspective and focus on immediate goals.

As McManus prepares for the training camp in Wales, he anticipates that the rigorous sessions will aid in his physical conditioning. He stated, "It [Wales] will probably be a tough one, lots of double sessions, but the facilities are excellent there, so hopefully I can use that week to build up and get the body ready for Cheltenham and then go from there."

Ultimately, McManus’s journey illustrates resilience amidst adversity and a commitment to personal and team development. As the new season unfolds, both he and the Brentford B squad are poised to face challenges head-on, with aspirations for a successful campaign that may lead to further opportunities within the first team.