The Thistle Archive

After a spell with Charlton Athletic as a junior, this big central defender began his professional career with Manchester United. Having progressed through the youth academy, he was part of the side that won the 2010–11 FA Youth Cup, before signing a pro contract at Old Trafford in the summer of 2011. Having failed to break into the United first team, he had loan spells at Morecambe, Oxford United, Carlisle United and Tranmere Rovers before signing for Sheffield United on a permanent basis in 2013. He had loan spells at Northampton Town and Rochdale, signing permanently for the latter at the end of his only season in Sheffield. He then spent time on loan at FC Halifax Town and Aldershot Town before again making the move permanent in the summer of 2015. In June 2016, he signed for Torquay United, where he spent two seasons before moving to Partick Thistle on a two-year deal.

McGinty became a favourite with a section of the Thistle fans, and was known for his passionate celebrations, although the team struggled for results and fought against relegation to the third tier during his time at Firhill. He was named club captain in August 2019, but left Thistle for a short term deal with Morton in January 2020, after making over 60 appearances as a Jag. In the summer of 2021, McGinty signed a two-year deal with Ayr United, following his previous manager David Hopkin. Although his deal at Ayr was extended, he left by mutual consent in June 2024, signing for newly promoted Hamilton Academical, thereby staying in the Scottish Championship.