Stephen McLaughlin

Nottingham Forest McLaughlin signed with English Championship side Nottingham Forest on 3 January 2013, believed to be for a fee of roughly £160,000. McLaughlin did not make an appearance during the remainder of the 2012–13 season. After a spell out on loan to Bristol City at the start of the 2013 season, McLaughlin made his full Forest debut against Leeds United on 21 April 2014 under caretaker manager Gary Brazil. At the beginning of the 2014–15 season under Stuart Pearce, McLaughlin became a more prominent member of the first team, with four appearances from the bench in Forest's first six games.

As appearances for the first team at Forest became increasingly limited, McLaughlin joined their local rivals Notts County on a one-month emergency loan on 30 September 2014.

Southend (loan) After a spell back at Forest, McLaughlin signed with Southend United until the end of the 2014–15 season. His debut for The Shrimpers was away at Bury, however this lasted just six minutes as the game was abandoned due to torrential rain, and his next game was at home to Mansfield Town which Southend won 2–0, and McLaughlin played 87 minutes. He scored twice in his spell for Southend, the first was in a 2–0 win over Newport County and the second helped Southend to Wembley Stadium as he scored in extra time of the League Two play-off semi-final against Stevenage. He went on to play an hour in the final against Wycombe Wanderers, which Southend eventually won 7–6 on penalties meaning that they won promotion to League One. After that game McLaughlin's loan spell ended, although having been released by Nottingham Forest, he has been linked with a permanent move back to Southend.

Southend United On 27 August 2015, McLaughlin joined Southend United on a permanent deal, signing a two-year deal. McLaughlin made his debut as a substitute against Coventry City on 31 August 2015. He left at the end of the 2019–20 season after Southend was relegated.

Mansfield Town On 11 September 2020, McLaughlin signed with Mansfield Town on a short-term deal.

After missing out on promotion with defeat in the 2022 EFL League Two play-off final, McLaughlin signed a new two-year contract in July 2022.

On 2 June 2025, the club announced he had signed a new one-year contract. On 19 May 2026, the club announced the player had extended his contract.

Career statistics +Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2009 League of Ireland First Division

2010 League of Ireland First Division

2011 League of Ireland Premier Division

2012 League of Ireland Premier Division

57 !! 13 !! 7 !! 4 !! 6 !! 3 !! 7 !! 3 !! 77 !! 23

2012–13 Championship

2014–15 Championship

Bristol City (loan)

Southend United (loan)

2015–16 League One

2016–17 League One

2017–18 League One

League One

League One

League Two

League Two

2022–23 League Two

League Two

Mansfield Town EFL League Two third-place promotion: 2023–24

Individual PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year: 2012 Mansfield Town Player of the Season: 2021–22