McCarthy: It’s Good To Be Back Home
Wakehurst junior Harry McCarthy is back at Manly United after a stint with the Central Coast Mariners Academy and his season started in promising fashion with a well-timed second half goal earning a 1-1 draw against Blacktown City.
“Seiya (Kambayashi) had the ball, I made a forward run and it went to Tom (Fay) instead. He got tackled and it bounced off him, in front of me and then I just hit it,” McCarthy said.
The 21 year old is delighted to be playing for his hometown club, especially because he is already familiar with his teammates.
“I always thought I would come back to Manly one day,” he said.
“It’s awesome. I pretty much knew everyone before, so it’s made it a lot easier.”
Manly United are facing a number of strong teams in the early rounds, but McCarthy is confident that the team will be in good shape as the season progresses.
“I think we’ll do fine. We had a decent pre season but the game against Blacktown was really the first time we had a number of our first team players on the pitch together.”
McCarthy is “pretty excited” by the thought of once again wearing Manly’s famous colours at Cromer Park and is looking forward to playing in Saturday’s game, which is another big test against a strong-looking Sydney Olympic side.
“I do know they have a few ex A-League players, so it’ll be good.”
The 21 year old is also happy to be working with Patrick Zwaanswijk, and as a forward McCarthy likes the freedom he’s been given by Manly’s new 1st Grade head coach.
“He gives us the freedom to express ourselves in the final third, you can play how you like.”
As McCarthy settles into the 2023 campaign, it’s clear that there’s no place he’d rather be.
“Playing back at Manly, it’s just a great club to be at.
“I’ve been here since (playing in the) Development Squad, my family love the club, my parents love the club. I was living away for a little bit so it’s good to be back home.”
Manly United return to Cromer Park on Saturday when they face Sydney Olympic in the first home game of the season. Kick-off is at 7pm, if you can’t get to the ground then tune in on NPL.TV.