Nice to have a centre half comfortable on the ball. Looked to be a great find in the first half of the season. But in the second half his defending was awful. His default position was jumping under the ball turning round and watching the opposition forward carrying the ball unchallenged towards our goal. Ball playing centre halves are to be encouraged, but first and foremost they have to be able to defend. McNulty needs to work on that side of his game.
big season for him in my opinion, make or break. if he fails this season he will be a lower league scrubber, if he shines then he will leave us for 400k to someone like Hull.
I agree with your summary. But would just add that with a years experience at this level, and a stronger partner, he'll be better for it. I also think his lack of football at any level for much of his career, took it's toll towards the back end of the campaign.
We signed him from Blackburn (I think) Wembley play off season, he played instead of Eaden at Wembley
I agree with Jay - it is good to have a centre half who can play football. BUT, given our defensive record in virtually every season since we came back up to the Championship what we need most is defenders who are just that - good defenders. We've conceded too easily for years imo. Our central defenders (with the exception of Darren Moore) have also often get 'bullied' and when that's happened it gives the opposition an out that's just too easy. Given a choice I'd go for a quick, physical, good in the air and strong in the tackle above a footballing centre half every time. I long for the days when we had a commanding centre half who wins aerial battles, dominates his own 18 yard box and causes problems in the oppositions. I'd be happy for him to give a short pass to someone else when he gets the ball and let them be more creative. Maybe I'm old fashioned but for me that's what McNulty needs to focus on most. I think he has the capability to be stronger but he just doesn't seem 'up for' the physical side enough. Foster's the same and from what I've seen of Edwards I don't think he's dominant either (and he's injured too often). As others have said - we need a strong, physical leader at the back most in my opinion and then McNulty can play alongside him.....
Wolves - Good post that - we need a big tough centre half - ie: McShane / Greer We have no captain on the field who can roll there sleeves up and give some shoe out. Instead of messing in the transfer market with untried gambles Hill needs to spend the Butterfield money quickly on defenders, after witnessing the shambles at Rotherham and Stocksbridge we will be in very serious trouble with that defencde and a very poor excuse of a goalkeeper.
Re: Wolves - Good post that - we need a big tough centre half - ie: McShane / Greer I went for the "Not currently as good as Shackell, but 'potentially' much better" option that seems to be the popular choice.
Re: Wolves - Good post that - we need a big tough centre half - ie: McShane / Greer That because you are a sheep, use your brain and have your own opinion!!
Re: Wolves - Good post that - we need a big tough centre half - ie: McShane / Greer I'm not sure if he'll ever be as good as Shackell, however he's got the edge over Foster for me, seems very composed on the ball, think he's a pretty decent defender, and should really only improve with more experience, as his career thus far has been stop start through injury. He's more popular than I had imagined.
I would have voted for........... No where near as good as Shackell..... but is better than Foster who is only just better than Nudger
