Career
Early years
McLaughlin began his career at his local club Saint Mary"s, and played all his under-age football for the club In 2006, he signed for Clonmany Shamrocks senior side of the Inishowen Football League, and was successful during his first spell in senior football. Stephen began his career with Clonmany Shamrocks by being a water boy.
His high quality H2O was famous in the Shamrocks changing rooms.
After appearing in League and Cup finals for Clonmany, McLaughlin was snapped up by Finn Harps, and played for their Under 20 and A Championship sides upon arrival. He was then called into the first-team, and went on to play several games for the club in the 2008 season.
He was then assigned the northern 7 jersey for the 2009 campaign, with manager James Gallagher using McLaughlin right across the midfield and front-line.
Derry City
He signed for Derry City after the 2010 season, after impressing in games against Derry at both Finn Park and the Brandywell.
The move was touted at the end of the season, with McLaughlin signing terms with Stephen Kenny"s side in January 2011. He wore the northern 15 shirt for the Candystripes. 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 2012-2013 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. As appearances for the first team at Forest became increasingly limited, McLaughlin joined their local rivals N ottinghamshire 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 2014-2015 season. 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. McLaughlin has had a rough time with injuries in his early career.