Bangor City: Former Aberdeen, Fleetwood Town, and Ross County striker lands first manager’s job

Bangor City have turned to star striker Declan McManus to take interim charge of the club following another major change in the managerial set-up.

McManus will be supported by Martin Jones and Adam Lavender during the interim period as the Nantporth club begins the search for a permanent successor to Michael Johnston.

Johnston stood down from his post before assistant manager Sean Eardley stepped up to replace him.

Eardley has now also stood down, meaning the Gwynedd side has moved quickly to put an interim structure in place.

The timing is significant, too, with Bangor City fourth in the Cymru North and heading into a busy spell of fixtures.

Bangor City hand reins to man in red-hot form

McManus has been one of Bangor City’s standout performers since his surprise arrival in January.

The striker scored twice and provided an assist in the recent 5-1 victory over Penrhyncoch, a result which leaves the Citizens sitting fourth in the Cymru North.

McManus has scored eight goals and provided six assists in eight Cymru North league appearances this season.

That follows an extraordinary spell in the Ardal North West, where he scored 14 goals and supplied eight assists in just 11 league games.

Now he faces a very different challenge, with the prolific forward taking responsibility from the dugout as well as continuing to lead the attack.

Bangor City have two key fixtures coming up

There is little time for the new interim set-up to settle. Bangor City face Mold Alexandra in the Welsh Cup on Saturday, September 19.

The Citizens then return to league action when they host Buckley Town on September 25.

Those matches will be the first major tests of the new arrangement, with Bangor City still in a strong position in the Cymru North. The immediate challenge is to maintain the momentum generated by that emphatic victory over Penrhyncoch.

Sean Eardley explains decision

Eardley’s departure represents another significant change for Bangor City.

He has now explained his decision to step down as assistant manager, looking back on four seasons with the club and thanking those who have supported him.

Eardley said: “I’ve made the difficult decision to step down as Assistant Manager of Bangor City 1876.

“The last four seasons have had their fair share of ups and downs, a highlight of which was the treble-winning season last season. Coming in as Jonno’s number two was a pleasure and I’ve loved every minute.

“I’d like to thank Nick and Dicko for all their support on a personal level, the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly on match-days and put such a huge shift in and lastly the players and management who I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside and working with.

“To the Blue Army, your efforts and dedication have been first class, not to mention your support for me on a personal level.

“I wish the club nothing but the best for the future and hope the new manager is able to take the club forward as it deserves.”

His departure leaves Bangor City with another important appointment to make. The process to identify Johnston’s permanent replacement remains ongoing.

Bangor City striker has travelled a long way

McManus’ appointment is the latest twist in a career which has taken him around British football and into Northern Ireland.

He began at Aberdeen in 2010, remaining with the Scottish club until 2015 while also spending time away on loan.

He then signed for Fleetwood Town, scoring once in 10 appearances before returning to Scotland.

In 2018, McManus joined Ross County, then subsequently enjoyed productive spells with Falkirk and Dunfermline Athletic before making a major impact at The New Saints.

The striker spent four seasons with the Welsh club and enjoyed a prolific run during his time there.

He later moved to Coleraine in Northern Ireland before returning to Wales with Bangor City.

His arrival at Nantporth in January was something of a surprise, but McManus quickly showed exactly what he could offer.

His goals and assists helped the Citizens make their mark in the Ardal North West, and his form has continued following their move into the Cymru North.