Rochdale boss Jimmy McNulty has left the club to join Stockport County on a three-year deal. McNulty, 41, led Rochdale back to the English Football League (EFL) after a three-year absence, winning the National League promotion final at Wembley last month. He joins Stockport County after former Hatters boss Dave Challinor left the club following their League One play-off final defeat by Bolton Wanderers. McNulty said: 'To go full circle and return all these years on as head coach at County feels incredible.' Rochdale said they had put succession plans in place in case McNulty departed the club. 'On behalf of the board, the staff, the players and our incredible fans, we thank Jimmy for his fight, honesty and love for this club, as both a player and head coach. He has left us in a stronger place, and that is his legacy,' a Rochdale statement said. McNulty takes over a Stockport side who missed out on promotion from League One in May's play-off final at Wembley, when they were well beaten by near neighbours Bolton. Prior to his exit, Challinor had been the fifth longest-serving manager in the EFL and won two promotions with Stockport, lifting them from the National League to the third tier. In the past two seasons, however, they have finished third in League One and missed out on promotion via the play-offs.