McClean Criticizes Treatment and Contract Termination Efforts
Former Republic of Ireland international James McClean has released a combative public statement through the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI), taking direct aim at Derry City over an ongoing contract dispute. McClean, who rejoined his hometown club from Wrexham in January, has not featured for the Candystripes since a UEFA Conference League defeat by Rijeka in early July. In his statement, the 37-year-old winger described attempts by the League of Ireland club to terminate his contract as “incomprehensible” and stated that only he will decide when to retire.
According to the PFAI statement, Derry allegedly attempted to invoke Section 18 of the Standard Players Contract, which allows clubs to terminate a deal with six months’ notice if a player suffers permanent incapacity confirmed by an independent physician. However, McClean claims no such assessment occurred, noting that an orthopaedic surgeon reached the opposite conclusion in September. The player also asserted that he was signed without a medical examination and is owed a “duty of care” by the club.
Training Fitness and Public Apology
McClean admitted that he has dealt with intermittent hip issues that caused him to miss occasional matches and training sessions, but insisted he is currently fit and well. The statement detailed that the veteran player has trained fully for nine weeks, participated in an internal club match, and remains ready for selection. While maintaining his frustration over being sidelined, McClean offered an apology for some of his recent public behavior, acknowledging that certain actions were misjudged and that his frustrations should have remained internal.
“This has been one of the most difficult periods of my life, both personally and professionally,” McClean said in his message to supporters. He added that he remains capable of contributing to the team and rejected any notion of forced retirement: “I will decide when I retire. Nobody else will make that decision for me.”
Derry City Issue Prompt Response Ahead of Cup Semi-Final
Derry City issued a pointed response on Tuesday, expressing frustration over the timing of the statement just four days before their crucial FAI Cup semi-final against Galway United. Interim manager Mark Connolly told BBC Sport NI that the timing was disappointing given the squad’s preparations for the weekend fixture.
In an official club statement, Derry welcomed McClean’s acknowledgment that his recent conduct was misjudged, but declined to engage in a public debate regarding medical details. The club noted that it has consistently sought to handle the sensitive matter privately out of respect for confidentiality. “All squad members who are deemed fully fit remain available for selection,” the club stated, emphasizing that matchday selection is the sole prerogative of the management team and medical staff. Derry confirmed they would make no further public comments as preparations continue for the Galway United match.