Most teams need a James McClean.
Energy. Drive. Aggression. A workhorse, a direct force, a fearless man who’d fancy his chances against any of them.
Stoke City have just acquired a talent that can light up the English Championship.
The Derry native joins the Potters – his fourth club across the water – for a free that can rise to £6million with add-ons.
What McClean’s pure honesty and passion offers on a pitch is there for everyone to see but new Stoke manager Gary Rowett was sold on the Ireland international because of what he offers off the field and it was former Manchester United veteran Darren Fletcher who was one of the leading references for him.
“James is a player I’ve admired for a long time,” Rowett said as Stoke City confirmed the news.
“He has real quality with his left foot and he’s an old fashioned winger in so much that he retains width and gives teams balance.
“Every time I’ve watched him play I’ve always been impressed by how hard he worked – he’s a team player who shows real desire to help his teammates out and run for the team.
“I’ve spoken to lads who have played with him before, the likes of Darren Fletcher, and they have all said that he’s a great guy to have around the dressing room and he’s really, really popular with his teammates.”
Rowett also tried to sign McClean at Derby back in January so he joins a new manager who is a genuine fan.
And McClean also provided his first interview in the red and white.
“The fact that Stoke have managed to keep the backbone of their team and that they’ve made a few good signings fills me with optimism. I’m really delighted to be here – it looks positive for the future,” he said.
“Stoke City is a club that doesn’t want to be in the Championship and I’m the same. Hopefully myself and the Club can get back there at the first time of asking.”
