Steve McNulty

Early career

Born in Liverpool, Merseyside, McNulty started his career at the Liverpool Academy when he was seven years old, eventually captaining the club's under-19 team, and stayed there until his release in 2003. He trained with Second Division club Blackpool during their pre-season training prior to the 2003–04 season, but failed to win a contract. He then joined Northern Premier League club Burscough for two seasons before moving up a division to the Conference North to play for Vauxhall Motors. He remained with the club for two further years and then joined divisional rivals Barrow at the beginning of the 2007–08 season on a free transfer.

Barrow

McNulty was appointed as captain in his first season at Barrow as he led the club to promotion, via the play-offs, to the Conference Premier. His performances in defence led to him being named as Conference North Player of the Year, and he signed a two-year contract extension towards the end of the 2007–08 season after interest from Football League clubs. Barrow finished the next season in 20th place, just above the relegation zone. With a year left on his contract, McNulty opted against making the transition to a full-time contract as Barrow began to shift away from being a part-time team. Manager David Bayliss stated that the club had "a wage structure that [it] can't break".

Fleetwood Town

On 16 June 2009, McNulty dropped down a league to sign for Conference North club Fleetwood Town for a then-club record fee of £17,000. He was made club captain, leading the team to promotion to the Conference Premier via victory in the Conference North play-off final. Fleetwood were defeated in the play-off semi-finals during the next season, but bounced back in 2011–12 by winning promotion to the Football League for the first time in the club's history. They accumulated 103 points, with McNulty leading the club on a 29-match unbeaten run in the league.

He made his League Cup debut on 13 August 2012 against Nottingham Forest, and played in Fleetwood's first Football League match – a 0–0 draw with Torquay United – four days later. Long standing Fleetwood manager Micky Mellon left the club in December 2012 to be replaced by Graham Alexander. McNulty, injured at the time of the managerial change, remained sidelined as Fleetwood's defence kept five clean sheets in seven matches. After discussions about McNulty's limited playing time, Alexander allowed him to leave the club; a move criticised by Fleetwood fans, but described as having the player's "best interests at heart".

Luton Town

On 31 January 2013, McNulty joined Conference Premier club Luton Town on a free transfer, signing a contract until the end of the season with a conditional 12-month extension that was dependent on Luton achieving promotion. He made 20 appearances for the club in the 2012–13 season, scoring once, as they finished seventh and outside of the promotion positions. On 29 April 2013, McNulty agreed a two-year contract extension following performances that made him an "instant cult hero" with Luton fans.

He was named as the club's vice-captain for the 2013–14 season, and was part of a defence that kept a club-record 23 clean sheets in the league, ultimately leading to Luton winning the league and being promoted to League Two. McNulty's influence on Luton's successful season did not go unnoticed, as he won the Player of the Year award, Internet Player of the Year award, as well as the Goal of the Season award for his 30-yard volley against Southport on 26 November 2013.

McNulty was named as Luton's captain for the 2014–15 season following the departure of Ronnie Henry. In July 2014, he signed a two-year contract extension. He played in 45 matches in all competitions as Luton finished the season in eighth position. McNulty's performances were recognised by his inclusion in the Professional Footballers' Association League Two Team of the Year.

Tranmere Rovers

McNulty joined National League club Tranmere Rovers on loan on 19 October 2015, as he wanted to be closer to his family. On 2 January 2016, he signed for the club permanently on a one-and-a-half-year contract.

McNulty was awarded with Tranmere player of the month for February 2016, after an impressive run. He received numerous man of the match awards as Tranmere climbed from mid-table into the National League play-off positions.

Style of play

McNulty has been described as a "commanding" centre-back who is noted for his aerial ability. As a graduate of the Liverpool Academy, which preaches technical development, he primarily passes the ball along the ground, often beginning his team's attacking movements as a result. His first-touch, calmness on the ball and flair have also been praised.

McNulty's leadership is also notable; he captained the Liverpool under-19 team, and won promotions while captaining both Barrow and Fleetwood Town. His Luton teammate Alex Lacey has stated that McNulty is "a real leader" with strong communication skills, while John Still credited him for improving the performances of the whole team.

Career statistics

Honours

Barrow

Fleetwood Town

Luton Town

Individual