Gordon Strachan brought 'Mick' McManus into the side for an extended run at the very beginning of his tenure and, following Neil Lennon's departure, manager Strachan placed his trust and the captaincy in the hands of the developing young centre back. "The gaffer has been a massive influence on my career and I have a lot to thank him for." said McManus. "He gave me an extended run in the first team when he arrived in 2005 and he appointed me captain a couple of years later. The players are all sad to see the manager go because we've had a lot of success under him over the last four years. It's been an incredible time in our careers."
"He's worked with a lot of players and has done so much for the club, but he obviously thinks it's time to move on and we all respect that." continued the captain. "It's been a great four years at Celtic. He's been different class and his record speaks for itself. Nobody can knock his achievements at Celtic. He's been superb."
Strachan's achievements included three SPL titles, two League Cups and one Scottish Cup and McManus cannot praise his ex-boss enough. "He's worked with a lot of players and has done so much for the club." he said. "But he obviously thinks it's time to move on and we all respect that. It's been a great four years at Celtic. He's been different class and his record speaks for itself. Nobody can knock his achievements at Celtic. He's been superb."
"As I said, I have a lot to thank him for." the captain told the Celtic View. "But it's not just about me. Over the last four years, he's built successful teams and he's left behind a great squad of players. We are a young squad at Celtic and many of us have still to reach our peak. The manager brought us together and I think he's been brilliant for the club."
Although Gordon Strachan's sides had mixed fortunes in Europe he will always be remembered for reaching the last sixteen of the Champions League twice and McManus will always remember those good times. "The European success has been fantastic." he said. "Personally, I've played three years of Champions League football under the manager and he's put a lot of us on the map during that time, and given us the chance to play at the highest level. We've all got a lot to thank him for and I've thoroughly enjoyed playing under him. I speak for all the boys when I wish him well for the future."