Josh Emmanuel, a former Hull City defender, has praised Grant McCann’s impact after giving him a helping hand at table-toppers Doncaster Rovers earlier this week.
After agreeing to a short-term deal with Rovers, though the terms of that deal have not yet been made public, Emmanuel, who assisted City in winning the League One title under McCann’s direction at the MKM Stadium in the 2020–21 season, may make his debut on Thursday night against Harrogate Town in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
The well-liked defender, who was instrumental in the Tigers’ promotion the season before, was sidelined for a full year during City’s inaugural campaign back in the Championship due to illness. This effectively ended the player’s promising career with the Tigers before it even began.
Emmanuel has spent time with Carlisle, who he departed in the summer, and Grimsby Town after leaving City. He will now play with Brandon Fleming, McCann, and Cliff Byrne, his long-time assistant.
“I can’t wait to get started,” the 27-year-old exclaimed. “I was at Hull with the gaffer, and I’m appreciative of the chance they and Cliffy gave me by introducing me. It’s hard to top working out with the guys once more, and I’ve had a great time. I’ve adapted quite well, and I knew a couple of the guys before I arrived.
Meanwhile, McCann added to the Black and Amber impact at the Eco-Power Stadium, where Tom Nixon is now a member of the Ulsterman’s side, by comparing Emmanuel to fellow former Tigers teammate Brandon Fleming, who is currently on season-long loan in South Yorkshire.
“What you see with Brandon Fleming, you’ll see with Josh,” he remarked. “He likes to move forward and participate; he is a great defensive player one-on-one. He’s a beautiful boy with amazing character. Hopefully, he can come in and help us; I simply like helping nice people, McCann said.
“It’s good to have him back following his health issues. He was at Hull the year we won the League. It’s so good to have him back and feeling better. He is prepared to engage in play.
I am familiar with him, and I am aware of all of his potential. He’s in excellent physical condition, and we’ve given him a lot of tests to evaluate where he stands. He is doing well. He makes the defensive zone more competitive. He wants to win, has a great character, and has played on winning teams.
“He fits a lot of our preferences because he is quick, powerful, and skilled in one-on-ones and duels with both opponents and allies.”
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