He began his career with Manchester United but failed to break into the first-team McInally, born in Gatehouse of Fleet, began his career with Manchester United, but failed to make a first-team appearance for the club In 1970, he signed for Lincoln City, making his debut on 19 December in a 2–1 away defeat to Brentford in the Fourth Division.
McInally left Colchester in the summer of 1973 joining Braintree & Crittall Athletic, where he would go on to become player-manager.
McInally made 22 Football League appearances for the Imps, making his final appearance on 29 April 1972 in a 4–0 win at home to Chester. In November 1972, McInally signed for Colchester United on loan from Lincoln, making one appearance in a 3–1 win against Southport on 10 November before being signed permanently, making his second and full-time debut on 25 November in a 1–0 win against Reading at Elm Park. He made 27 league appearances for the U"s and made his final appearance on 30 April 1973 in a 4–0 win at Layer Road against Gillingham.
