Mcmanus just can’t give up playing football

Paul Mcmanus has tried retirement and the alternative career path within football but the Scottish leagues keep lu ring him back. At the age of 35, the former Raith Rover sand East Fife striker could soon be back in League 2 after an incredible 18 months with Cove Rangers.

Help ed by his well- t ak - en double, and a goal each from Mitch Meg gin son and Eric Watson, the Highland League champions all but sealed an SPFL play- off final showdown with Cowdenbeath by hammering Lowland League winners Spartans.

M cM an us decided to retire in November 2016 after struggling to jugg le postal work shifts with part-time playing demands. East Fife manager Gary Nay smith was willing to accommodate his work rota but Mcmanus felt dishonest drawing a football wage while missing training sessions.

Three months later, having pined miserably for the competitive fray, he accepted John She ran’ s offer to join ambitious Cove and netted 15 goals in his first half- season.

Having broken the 20 - goal mark this season, he admits the prospect of returning to the SPFL with Cove is exciting.

“I could have stayed at that level. I basically retired from football through my job at Royal Mail,” he said. “After weeks of it, I really missed it and the gaffer here came in at the right time.

“I came up here and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. Now I feel ready for the SPFL again. This club has high ambition sand the right finance off the park. A new stadium is getting built and it is all set in place.

“But we have another game to deal with before we can even think about Cowdenb eath. We’re not getting carried away. We’ll refresh the batteries and make sure we’re ready for Tuesday.”