mcmanus impressed by lennoxtown

David Friel
CELTIC captain Stephen McManus took just one look at the club’s world-class training ground and immediately predicted that the SPL champions will feel right at home in their plush new surroundings.

The Hoops skipper joined manager Gordon Strachan, Chairman Brian Quinn and Chief Executive Peter Lawwell for the grand opening of the stunning facility and was hugely impressed by the Lennoxtown complex.

It will be the focus for all of the Club’s non-matchday football activities, boasting a wealth of first-class facilities including natural grass and artificial pitches, indoor training hall, state-of-the-art fitness centre and hydrotherapy pool.

“This is the first time I’ve seen inside the training ground and I’m really impressed,” said McManus. “The players are all excited about working here.

“You just have to look about the place to see how good it is. The pitches are terrific and that’s the most important thing for the players.

“The indoor facilities are great too, while it’s good that the main pitch has undersoil heating. It’s great to have the opportunity to be based here and I’m sure the players will enjoy using the complex.

“I think it also makes it easier for the club to attract quality players. Having a good team is the most important thing about a football club, and we certainly have that at the moment.”

At present, McManus and his team-mates report to Celtic Park on a daily basis before training at nearby Barrowfield.

That will all change as of next week when Lennoxtown clicks into action and the captain agreed that it could make the matchday experience extra special for the Celtic players.

“It’s important to keep that connection with the fans and we’ll do all we can do that,” he said. “When we do go back to Celtic Park for matches, it will be even more special, because we might not see the fans as much out here.

“It will make matchdays more exciting, but I also think it’s important that the players have a place where they can relax and be together. However, when we do go back to the ground, we will get a real feel for the atmosphere.”

While he looks forward to using the new facilities at Lennoxtown, Celtic Youth Academy graduate McManus also revealed he will be sad to say goodbye to the club’s old training ground.

He added: “I’ve been training at Barrowfield for the last 11 years and it’s a place that will always hold special memories. But for a club of Celtic’s size, a facility like this is fitting.

“We’ll be working hard at the new training ground and doing our best to win titles – because that’s what it’s all about at Celtic.”