Reluctant Hatters allow family man McNulty to depart
Town captain Stephen McNulty has left Kenilworth Road to join National League side Tranmere Rovers on-loan with a view to a permanent deal when the transfer window opens in January.
The 32-year-old centre-half played 125 times for the Hatters since joining from Fleetwood in February 2012 and played an influential role in our Conference title-winning team of 2013/14.
He was named player of the year at the end of that season before being named as skipper at the beginning of the last campaign.
McNulty links up with former Town manager Gary Brabin at Prenton Park and everyone at Luton Town would like to wish the defender the very best of luck with Rovers and thank him for his service during his time at Kenilworth Road.
Manager John Still said: “We’ve been talking to Stephen for the last couple of weeks. He’s had some family issues that can’t be properly resolved with him living here. Reluctantly we’ve agreed a deal to take him to Tranmere, nearer his home.
“I didn’t want him to leave. He’s a big part of Luton Town and he will be missed. This is all part of football, but family is important to us all.
“I’d like to thank Stephen for his first-class service on and off the pitch during his time here.
“He’s been a leader and a top player but we understand that he has to give time to his family.
“I would like to thank him unreservedly for everything he’s done for this football club.”
“The king is dead. Long live the king.”
McNulty, who made his debut away to Barrow in the Conference, told lutontown.co.uk: “I’d like to take this opportunity to say what an honour and privilege it was, not only to play for Luton Town, but to captain them too.
“This isn’t a decision I have taken lightly. It was the toughest I’ve had to make in my career. However, I am a family man. For three years I have been spending more and more time away from them. Any father will tell you that is difficult so, after much deliberation, I felt the time was right to make this decision. It would have been selfish of me to carry on and not think about my family.
“There are too many people to thank individually as I have made so many friends in my time at Kenilworth Road, but I would like to thank Gary Sweet and all the board for the opportunity they gave me.
“The fans have given me great support throughout my time at Luton. We’ve had some ups and downs but they always are, and always will be, fantastic.
“I’d like to thank my team-mates who without none of the success would have been possible. We made some memories that nobody can take away from us.
“I’d like to thank all the coaching staff and everyone behind the scenes, but the biggest thank you goes to the gaffer, John Still. We had a really good working relationship. He knew how to get the best out of me and will always be a friend.
“Finally I'd like to wish Luton Town all the very best for the remainder of the season. With the fans’ backing, I do believe the manager and the squad of players can achieve promotion this year.”