James McClean and Derry City agree immediate split
James McClean and Derry City have agreed to end his contract immediately, closing his second spell at his hometown club. He returned from Wrexham in January but had been out of matchday squads since July. The agreement follows a disputed earlier termination attempt, with both sides now welcoming a resolution ahead of Derry’s cup final.
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The agreed departure takes immediate effect
James McClean and Derry City, the League of Ireland football club from his hometown in Northern Ireland, agreed on 28 October to terminate his contract with immediate effect. Both sides welcomed the settlement and said they wanted to move forward constructively. The decision ends the player’s second spell at Derry. McClean had returned from Wrexham in January but had not appeared in a matchday squad since July, as relations between the player and club deteriorated.[1], [2]
Settlement follows a disputed termination attempt
Earlier in October, the 37-year-old had criticised the club’s previous attempt to terminate his contract and described his exclusion from the squad as one of the most difficult periods of his personal and professional life. In the new statement, he said his return had not worked out as he hoped, but thanked supporters and wished the team well. He also wished Derry success against Waterford in the Football Association of Ireland Cup final on 8 November.[1], [2]
A return after nearly 15 years in England ends
Club chairman Philip O’Doherty thanked McClean for his dedication and contribution to Irish football. McClean first joined Derry in 2008 after starting at Institute, another club in Northern Ireland. He moved to Sunderland in 2011 and also played for Wigan, West Brom, Stoke and Wrexham during nearly 15 years in English football. He said playing alongside his brother Patrick had been a positive part of the return. The club and McClean said they would make no further comment on the settlement.[1], [2]
