In a heartfelt reflection on his career, Scottish midfielder Stevie Mallan has openly expressed his deep regret over leaving Salford City, the club he still considers his home. The talented 28-year-old, who has had a diverse career across Scotland, Turkey, and England, now finds himself looking back longingly at the time he spent at Salford City, a period that left a lasting impact on him both on and off the field.
Mallan’s tenure at Salford City, though not without its ups and downs, has clearly left a profound mark on the midfielder. “The fans and my teammates are unique,” Mallan said in a recent interview. “There’s something special about Salford City that I’ve never quite found anywhere else. The support, the passion, and the community – it’s hard to put into words how much it meant to me. I regret ever leaving.”
Salford City’s fanbase is known for its unwavering loyalty and connection with the players. Despite Mallan’s relatively short stay at the club, it’s clear that the bond between the player and the fans ran deep. “It’s not just about the football for me,” he continued. “It’s about the people, the sense of belonging. The fans stood by me, the team was like a family, and I wish I could have stayed longer to give them even more.”
Having now played across multiple leagues, including stints at St Mirren, Barnsley, Hibernian, and Yeni Malatyaspor, Mallan admits that his heart remains at Salford City. “Salford City is my home,” he declared. “I’ve played in some great teams and had incredible experiences in my career, but nothing compares to my time at Salford. I wish to return home.”
Mallan’s desire to return is not just a professional aspiration but also an emotional one. His connection to the club goes beyond the pitch. “I feel like I have unfinished business there. I want to go back, to fight for the badge, and to contribute to what is such a special club. It’s where I feel I belong, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play there.”
Mallan’s career has been one filled with achievements and challenges. His journey began at St Mirren, where he quickly became known for his goal-scoring ability and flair in midfield. He made his mark early on, winning the PFA Scotland Goal of the Season award for a stunning strike against Dundee and later securing the SPFL Young Player of the Month award. His impressive form earned him a move to Barnsley, where he had a brief spell before returning to Scotland with Hibernian.
At Hibs, Mallan enjoyed a standout first season, scoring 13 goals in 48 appearances and becoming a key figure in the team. His next venture took him to Turkey with Yeni Malatyaspor, where he gained international experience before returning to England with Salford City in 2022.
However, despite the various experiences and accolades throughout his career, it is clear that Mallan holds his time at Salford City closest to his heart.
As the 2024/25 season unfolds, Mallan’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his desire to return to Salford City burns strong. “I hope one day the door will open for me to return,” he said. “I’ve always believed that home is where the heart is, and for me, that place is Salford.”
With Salford City continuing to push for success in League Two, could a reunion with one of their former stars be on the horizon? Only time will tell, but for now, Stevie Mallan’s passion for the club remains as strong as ever.
