Is Marc McNulty any good? Coventry fan offers up alternative opinion of new Sunderland striker

RR: So, Marc McNulty then. We spoke to Courtney Friday from the Reading Chronicle, and he referred to McNulty’s time there as a ‘nightmare’, but his record suggests that his spell with Coventry was perhaps more fruitful. What can you tell us about his spell up front for the Sky Blues?

GB: I’m gutted how it has panned out for him at Reading, although I feel he’s barely been given a chance there. For us, he’s somewhat of a cult figure. Without his goals we would of been nowhere near the League Two play-offs.

What’s interesting though with McNulty, is until around December, our fans were really getting on his back as his conversion rate was pretty poor and we were struggling for goals. But I think one went in off his arse at Stevenage and since then; everything he touched turned to goals. Our whole fan base was devastated when he left and some have been calling for his return ever since.

I think some will be bitter he has joined a league rival.

RR: What sort of player are Sunderland getting - is he going to get us goals in League One?

GB: I think he’s more than capable. He just needs some faith from his gaffer and the fans as well as time. As he showed with us, it took him a while to get going but when he does, he can’t stop.

He’s proved himself in League Two and he jumped perhaps too quickly to the Championship, but he got goals for Hibs in the SPL last season so I think for him right now, League One is his level and I really hope it works out for him.

Personally, I’m forever grateful for what he did for our club.

RR: What kind of striker is McNulty?

GB: He’s a hard worker. You can guarantee 110% from him every game.

He works best playing off a target man. Once he began playing with Maxime Biamou for us, that’s when he really started to thrive. A target man provides him with the space he needs to not only open up chances for shots on goal but to create for others.

McNulty isn’t just a poacher, he’s a team player who is more than happy to lay them on for his teammates. He’s certainly unique for this level with his stocky nature.

Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images

RR: What would you say his biggest strengths as a player and character are?

GB: He’s a determined character. I think that’s proven in some of the career moves he’s taken and it’s no surprise so many big clubs in the lower divisions has signed him up.

If you ask any Coventry or Portsmouth in particular, they will all speak positively of his time there. His biggest strengths as I say are his ability to both create, score and work hard. He is a real team player.

You’ve got a real player on your hands if you can fit him into the correct system.

RR: And what about his biggest weaknesses?

GB: His weaknesses are probably the fact he isn’t the quickest. He’s no slouch but he’s not going to burn anybody for pace that’s for sure. His height too means he isn’t the best in the air when it comes to winning knock downs from long balls forward, but as I say, if paired with a target man this particular weakness can be avoided.

RR: Overall, how to do view this piece of business?

GB: I think it’s a great piece of business. He will get goals and he will work hard for the team. Plus, he has something to prove. I have no doubt he is capable of playing Championship football and a successful spell with you prove he may be ready for that.

Again it’s frustrating he’s joining a league rival but I wish him all the best and hope this helps get his stalled career back on track as I believe he has the potential to be a top, top player in the Football League. It’s a great move from your recruitment team for sure.