Connect with us

English Football League

Jim McNulty gives first interview as new Stockport boss and issues open letter to Rochdale fans

Jim McNulty gives his first interview as new Stockport County boss and issues an open letter to Rochdale fans.

The 41 year old leaves Rochdale, after he guided them to League Two through the National League playoffs despite a league-record 106 points.

Jimmy, a former County player, has signed a three-year deal, replacing Dave Challinor, and promises football the fans will love.

Stockport County said in their statement that they are delighted to confirm the appointment of Jimmy McNulty as our new Head Coach.

The former Hatters defender returns to Edgeley Park on a three-year deal, a month on from guiding Rochdale to promotion from the National League via the play-offs.

In what was his first managerial role following a distinguished playing career in the EFL, Jimmy has emerged as one of the brightest managerial talents in the English game during his time at Rochdale.

The 41-year-old oversaw an extensive rebuild during his three years in charge at the Crown Oil Arena, instilling a culture and winning mentality that saw the club improve year-on-year during their time in the National League.

Having built a team from the ground up following the club’s relegation from League Two in 2023, Rochdale finished 11th and 4th in his first two seasons in charge, before achieving promotion in dramatic circumstances last season.

Jimmy’s team amassed an incredible 106 points during an enthralling title battle with York City, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion after being cruelly denied in stoppage time on the final day of the season.

His side went again in the play-offs, however, to secure promotion at Wembley last month, coming from 2-0 down late on to beat Boreham Wood on penalties – securing Rochdale’s first promotion since 2014.

Jimmy now returns to Edgeley Park, 18 years on from when he first came to the club as a player under Jim Gannon. Signing from Macclesfield Town in January 2008, he played a key role as the club went on to secure promotion to League One – beating his future side Rochdale 3-2 at Wembley in the Play-Off Final.

After six months in League One he was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion, going on to enjoy a successful career in the EFL, playing in the Championship with Scunthorpe United and Barnsley.

His return to SK3 marks the next chapter of the club’s remarkable journey, as we look to build on 13 years of incredible progress on and off the pitch that has seen us rise from the National League North to the top end of League One.

County Head Coach, Jimmy McNulty said:

“To go full circle and return all these years on as Head Coach at County feels incredible. Some opportunities feel meant to be, and there’s so much alignment and connection here for me, so there’s amazing pride here for me and my family.

“I have really fond memories of the Wembley team and the Wembley experience. That blend of familiarity and the amazing new opportunities in the next phase of this football club just feels perfect for me and I’m incredibly excited by that.

“We celebrated so much during my time here as a player, because we played a brand of football that we were so proud of as players and we knew the fans loved, and we found a way to win whilst doing it. That is the idea that I want to cultivate for our supporters again, and I’m very excited to meet them and begin to develop that idea together.”

Sporting Director, Damien Allen said:

“I am delighted to welcome Jimmy back to the club. Over the past three years, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to maximise talent, develop players capable of changing games and deliver success. He has a clear footballing philosophy and has continually evolved while staying true to his principles.

“Just as important, his vision and values align strongly with those of the club. He understands the importance of long-term planning, sustainable success and creating an environment where players and staff can thrive.

“As we enter the next phase of our journey, our focus is on being elite in everything we do. From performance and player development, to culture and daily behaviours, we want to set the highest standards across the club.

“There is genuine excitement about the direction we are taking, and we believe Jimmy is the right person to lead us into this next chapter. We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to beginning this journey together with our supporters as we continue our pursuit of success. ”

Owner, Mark Stott said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Jimmy back to Stockport County as our new Head Coach.

“As our recruitment process progressed, Jimmy quickly emerged as the outstanding candidate for the role. The progress and success he achieved at Rochdale over the last three years speaks volumes about his ability to build a team, develop a strong culture and deliver results.

“From our very first meeting, it was clear that his vision for the team aligns closely with our own, and I’m excited to see that vision come to life at Edgeley Park.

“We’ve made incredible progress over the last six years, but I genuinely believe there is even more to come. I’m excited about the direction we’re heading in and what lies ahead for the club.”

In an open letter to Rochdale fans, Jimmy said: “After 11 incredible years at Rochdale AFC, my chapter has come to an end.

“This has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. From the very first day I walked through the doors at Spotland, this Club has felt like home. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but through every challenge, every high and low, the spirit of Rochdale has never failed to inspire me.

“To Cameron Ogden and the board, thank you for your trust, your support, and for giving me the platform to build an idea we could all enjoy together. Your belief in me and in the vision we built together has been vital.

“I’m truly grateful for the unwavering support and commitment towards achieving our aligned objectives. The Ogden family’s legacy at this Club will last longer than any on-pitch achievements, and I thank you for coming to Rochdale AFC when you did and giving us the opportunity to change direction.

‘To the fans and supporters, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Your passion, your loyalty, and your incredible support, especially through the difficult times, have meant more than you will ever know.

“Whether it was a wet Tuesday night in the league or that unforgettable day at Wembley, you have been the heartbeat of this Football Club. You made every single moment special. I will never forget the noise, the colour, and the unwavering belief you showed in us. The Sandy Lane, Main Stand, Pearl Street, U-Block… This Club belongs to you.

“To the staff, past and present, the unsung heroes behind the scenes. You have worked so tirelessly day in, day out. You are the backbone of everything we achieved. Your dedication, professionalism, and loyalty have been extraordinary. Our achievements couldn’t have been reached without you. Thank you for the long hours, the sacrifices, the support, and for sharing this journey with me.

“And finally, to my players. This one is the hardest to write.

“You are the reason I came to work every single day with optimism. You’ve given everything for this Club and for each other, and I’ll always admire you. Through tough moments, injuries, setbacks, and moments of pure joy and fun, you’ve shown incredible character and growth. Watching you develop as players, as a team, and as humans has been one of the greatest honours of my career.

“To end this chapter by winning promotion together at Wembley Stadium – there really is no more perfect way to say goodbye. That day, and that moment, will live with me forever. You did it. You earned it. It was always your team, and I am so incredibly proud of every single one of you.

“Thank you for trusting, for fighting, and for creating memories that myself and my family will cherish for the rest of our lives.

“Rochdale AFC will always have a special place in my heart. This isn’t goodbye forever, just the closing of one very special chapter.

“Up the Dale.” – Jimmy

Rochdale said in their statement:

Rochdale AFC can confirm that Head Coach Jimmy McNulty has left the club to join Sky Bet League One side Stockport County.

McNulty departs having led Dale to a record-breaking, promotion-winning campaign which returned us to the EFL.

There are moments in football that stay with you, and this season has given us plenty of them. Jimmy has been at the heart of all of them. His belief in this club, this town and this squad never wavered, and it showed in everything we have achieved together.

On behalf of the Board, the staff, the players and our incredible fans, we thank Jimmy for his fight, honesty and love for this club, as both a player and Head Coach. He has left us in a stronger place, and that is his legacy.

We wish him and his family nothing but the very best, and we are in no doubt that he will carry that same passion and determination wherever he goes.

Our high regard for Jimmy is such that, as a forward-thinking Football Club, we have always had succession plans in place should he move on, particularly after last season’s promotion.

A number of candidates have been identified, and discussions are well underway. We aim to complete this process promptly to give ourselves the best possible preparation time ahead of our Sky Bet League Two campaign. We will keep supporters informed every step of the way.

This is a hugely exciting period for our Football Club, and we are determined to build on the incredible foundations that Jimmy has helped lay.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Here’s how social media users reacted as Jim McNulty gives first interview as new Stockport boss and issues an open letter to Rochdale fans…

@joembeebam: Gave us the best day and season of our lives and we’ll forever be grateful for that. He’s moving on and we’ve got to do the same can’t dwell on it at all.

@Chris4RAFC: No words can express how heartbroken i feel this evening, Thank you Jim for your service and dedication and wish you well at Stockport

@Ben_m_1234: I will admit, I didn’t think he was the man at times but he certainly proved me wrong as I’m sure he did so many others. You made us believe and gave us a season we will never see anything like ever again and for that we’ll be forever grateful. Best wishes Jim and thank you.

@kian_rafc: Nobody can blame him for taking a bigger opportunity and furthering his career. Far from a ‘legend’ like people are calling him though

@Harry_Mixer: All the best Jim, 11 years and the final season quite possibly the best in the clubs history 💙

@PaulRAFC: Proved me wrong and did his job. 👏🏻 Wish him all the best. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive him for Brackley away though. 😂 Let’s see who’s going to be in charge of HMS Piss The League for this season then…

@AllDaleArentWe: It hurts but having said that forever grateful for all your endeavours and getting us back we’re we belong. Wishing you nothing but the best go smash it 💙

@JacobAWright96: Gutting, but thoroughly deserved. Should leave with all of our best wishes for what he’s achieved and his commitment and loyalty over the last 11 years. All the best, Jim 👏🏻 #RAFC

@James81224699: all the best jim, thankyou for everything 💙

@RochdaleFan: He did a brilliant job, united supporters and players as one and instilled a never say die culture in the club. The only thing that may hold him back is his style of play can be very slow at times, which Stockport fans may not like if they are not getting results.

@LeanneRAFC_x: This one hurts💔 Thank you, Jim, for everything you’ve done for my club & for getting us back where we belong. Thanks to @RochdaleHGT I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know you, not just as a player and manager, but as a person. What a man you are. Wishing you every success💙

@MEBaines: Gutted but don’t begrudge him this at all. Legend for what he’s done given where the club was when he took over and fully deserves this chance 👏

@HoltyAB: Can’t blame the guy but would be lying if I said I didn’t feel a bit disappointed especially after everything he has done but always wish the best for him

@KanoCounty: This can either go 2 ways… 1. He’ll rebuild the whole squad and we’ll go smash it next season with no fucking about. 2. We take 3 steps back and end up coming 15th in the league next season.

@CharxRafc: Thank you for everything Jimmy. A player, interim, manager and promotion winner. I will forever be grateful. The lows to the highs and he guided us back to where we belong. Well deserved opportunity for him and I wish him every single bit of success 👏🏻💙

@Wardyy92: Can’t blame him, he’s probably at least doubled his salary, just can’t see Stockport fans having much patience if they’re not in the top 5 at Xmas 🤦🏼‍♂️

@CallumT55461235: Got to back him from day 1, he won’t get it perfect but could be exciting times ahead with the new era 🤞💙

@tomhwilliams23: Been a great rise for Jim McNulty. Had to rebuild in National League. Established a heavy possession based style, but criticised early on for not being the most exciting. Then delivered an unbelievable points tally, earning himself this step up. Do feel for Rochdale fans though!

@sam_jeffs: Start of a new era. Interesting to see that pretty much the rest of league one seem to have wrote us off but I’m looking forward to seeing a fresh face with fresh ideas. Interesting window ahead but still got the base of a decent side

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in English Football League