Wrexham Bids Tearful Farewell to Hero Who Delivered Consecutive Promotions
Wrexham skipper James McClean has had his deal terminated through mutual agreement to enable his swift move back to hometown club Derry City this weekend.
The seasoned Republic of Ireland veteran still had a year and a half remaining on his contract, which he had only renewed in August following his initial arrival at the ambitious Welsh side when they competed in League Two in 2023.
McClean's tireless displays as a left wing-back contributed to Wrexham achieving back-to-back promotions, rising to the elevated level of the Championship. The ex-Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion winger, who accumulated 158 Premier League outings, gradually began to decline this campaign. At 36 years old, McClean featured in only 10 of Wrexham's opening 26 Championship matches before his move to Derry was announced.
"I had a productive conversation with Jimmy last week," Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson shared with the club's official website. "The timing is perfect for him and his family. He always aspired to return to his hometown and now has the chance to conclude his career there.
"He's been an excellent servant to the club, and we've thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with him. He's been a crucial player for us in recent years, with his energy, resolve, mindset, and his professionalism, and we wish him and his family the very best."
Wrexham Say Goodbye to Another Character
Wrexham Say Goodbye to Another Character
McClean's exit follows shortly after confirmation that supporter favorite Elliot Lee would also be permitted to depart the club. While McClean wasn't part of the National League promotion that Lee experienced, the vocal Irishman had developed a devoted following in north Wales.
Always willing to speak his mind, McClean has regularly faced criticism for his stance against wearing a Remembrance Day poppy. He has also previously compared British soldiers to "terrorists" and criticized Shrewsbury as a "cesspit full of inbreds" earlier this year.
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has previously offered a positive portrayal of his "grumpy" captain. "There is a blazing, intense, 5000 kelvin furnace inside that individual that is extraordinary, and one of my favorite players to observe," the actor commented about McClean on the Fearless in Devotion podcast during the summer.
"I was raised as the youngest of four brothers, right, I have a people-pleasing trait in me somewhere. I always appreciate the guys that lack that quality. I'm drawn to grumpy individuals," he went on before comparing McClean to one of his Hollywood colleagues.
"Samuel L. Jackson can be a grumpy individual and he's one of my favorite people on the planet because of it. I love it. James possesses some of that quality."
Emotional Homecoming for McClean
Emotional Homecoming for McClean
While Wrexham supporters will be disappointed to lose a key figure from the past two-and-a-half years, McClean's return to Derry has been in the works for five years.
The passionate Irishman made his professional debut for his hometown club in 2008 as a determined 19-year-old. McClean would rack up 88 appearances for the Candystripes across three seasons before moving to Sunderland.
"While one chapter ends another one begins again," McClean posted on Instagram. "15 years away its [sic] time to come home. This club means everything to me and i [sic] will give everything of me to try and help this club achieve [sic] success!"