Alexander explains reasons behind McNulty’s switch to Luton

McNulty’s exit was criticised by the Fleetwood supporters, but Alexander told the Blackpool Gazette: “There is no denying Steve McNulty was a big part of this club’s advance.

“He was a massive part of the promotion team. But at the end of the day we had to make a decision.

“When we came into the club Steve was injured and the back four we chose kept five clean sheets in seven games.

“It was difficult for Macca to break back into the side. He was getting frustrated at his lack of opportunities and we knew that.

“We had several conversations because, as a player and as the club captain, he deserved that respect.”

Alexander, who made over 150 appearances for Luton as a player, insisted the decision was in the best interests of the player, after suffering a similar issue during his time at Burnley.

The defender was club captain at Turf Moor when manager Eddie Howe replaced Brian Laws but found his own chances limited as he added: “I had the same experience when I was a player.

“At Burnley I was captain and had played in almost every game up to the point Eddie Howe arrived.

“He came in and took me out of the team, he did not play me.

“I asked if I could go out on loan, he said no and I ended up not playing again.

“All I wanted, particularly at that time in my career, was to play football.

“I did not want that to happen to Macca, it was always in my mind in every dealing we had with the player.”