Crossword Genius

Stuck with inspiring manager backing clubs (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clung

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'stuck' is the definition.
('cling' can be a synonym of 'stick')

'inspiring manager backing clubs' is the wordplay.
'inspiring manager' becomes 'lung' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'backing' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used in card games such as bridge).
'lung' put after 'c' is 'CLUNG'.

'with' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clung that I've seen before include "Held on tightly" , "Held on tight" , "Was emotionally close" , "Held on desperately" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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