Bangor 1876 make first international signing!

Bangor 1876 have announced the signing of 25 year old defender Lee McNulty, who has represented Northern Ireland at junior international level.

McNulty was part of the Northern Ireland squad which competed in the Jersey Quadrangular tournament last summer.

The new recruit is a trainee teacher studying for a PGCE in Physical Education at Bangor University, and has completed a placement at Ysgol Friars.

Just before Christmas, 1876 manager Mel Jones had been invited to present the prizes at the sports prize-giving ceremony held at the school where McNulty was working.

Mel had been keen to support the event at the Bangor secondary school as part of the club’s activities in the local community which has provided 1876 with such fantastic support this season. During the evening Mel heard of McNulty’s desire to play for a team in the local area.

And so Mel ended up not just presenting prizes at the event but also make a prize-signing by recruiting a talented defender who will add experience to the squad as the Gwynedd League leaders approach a busy and exciting time of the season.

McNulty is a native of Enniskillen and has recent experience with Dergview, who currently play in the Championship, the second tier of the Northern Ireland football pyramid.

His manager at Dergview was Ivan Sproule, the former Hibernian and Northern Ireland player. Sproule spoke highly of Lee and built up a good relationship with Mel as they arranged the transfer.

1876 media officer Jonathan Ervine said: “We thank Ivan and the Dergview club for their assistance with our first international transfer.

“We would also like to thank Andy Squire of the FAW for his efficient handling of the international clearance which was completed on 22 January.

“Lee has already been training with the squad and made quite an impression and he will be in contention for a place in Saturday’s local derby at Menai Bridge Tigers.”