Manager Brian Barry-Murphy believes securing the services of Jim McNulty until 2021 is a “crucial bit of business” for the football club.
The defender penned a one-year extension to his current deal this week.
BBM commented: “It’s a crucial bit of business in terms of what we’re trying to do. His value to the club both on and off the pitch has been well spoken about and is very much justified.
“He’s an extraordinary guy and someone who all the players look up to, myself included. He’s a huge part of what we’ve done in the past and what we hope to do in the future.
“My biggest consideration when I speak about Jim is not to focus on what he brings to the dressing room or the club, because first and foremost you want to be judged on what you do on the actual pitch. His performances on the pitch have been incredible and he has led by example in every way that we play the game. He’s hugely important to the group, not just as a leader, but as a player. His abilities and skill level as a player tend to be overlooked because of the type of personality that he has. I think it’s imperative that I don’t judge him by his character, but by his actual playing abilities, which are exceptional.
“I’m very conscious that [the way we’re playing] is not a style that I want to implement, as such, it’s a style of play that they players are very comfortable implementing and one they want to drive forward themselves. Jimmy is an integral part of that and he’s one that the players value immensely.
“It’s amazing news for the club and it’s a real strong vision of how the club moves forward. I believe that it’s a great bit of news for everybody at the club.”
Watch the full interview on iFollow freeview.