
Football
Share
Published 12:06 11 Aug 2026 BST
Updated 12:06 11 Aug 2026 BST

It was reported by multiple news outlets yesterday that Derry City were going terminate the contract of James McClean, less than one season after re-joining his boyhood club.
The former Ireland international made a heroic return after nearly 15 years in England, but soon his move turned sour, with a number of controversial moments involving the 37-year-old.
During World Cup punditry duty for RTÉ, he said: "Family [are] enjoying being home – probably not so much myself, if I'm being honest.
"You know, you have a lot of conversations on the phone, and then you come home and you quickly realise that what you hear on the phone is not what you see in reality.
"There’s a lot of factors that’s contributed to that, but we’ll leave them for another day."
He then gave a veiled dig to the management on social media, after failure to progress in Europe, writing: "Rovers, Bohs, Shels, Larne have all progressed through ties in Europe this year. We played four, lost four.
"And sorry, it needs to be said, we have every much as good, if not better, a squad on paper [as those clubs].
"If you watch the games, the lads aren't losing these games based on lack of effort. So clearly there is an issue somewhere.
"Given [I] am around it every day and have the CV to give my opinion, I think I'll give it whether anyone likes it or not.
"If you don't like it, then you'll excuse me for not caring about your opinion, given that 99.9% that have a lot to say have never played a professional game in their lives."
He also posted a picture of himself on Instagram watching his old club Wrexham, while his Derry team were playing Sligo Rovers last Friday.
However, despite rumours over his contract, he turned up to an open training session today.
When asked by a reporter whether he was still a Derry player, McClean replied: "Clearly."
Explore more on these topics:

James McClean rightly slammed for comments on men’s therapy
Not his finest moment. Former Ireland international James McClean has come under fire for recents comments made during an interview with journalist Paul Kimmage. Although never shy of courting controversy, McClean’s actions did little to affect his Ireland career, with the Derry man retiring after 103 caps. However, his second spell at Derry, following his […]
Football
3 days ago
The Premier League GW7: Follow all of the viral moments in our live hub
Football returns at the Hill Dickinson Stadium! Everton host Chelsea in the early kick off as the Premier League returns, with David Moyes’ Toffees aiming to remain unbeaten. At 3pm, Brentford host Liverpool, whilst Hull City travel to Fulham. Elsewhere in the North West, Man City host the recently promoted Ipswich Town, who have enjoyed […]
Football
3 days ago
Ireland players apologise to teammate Bazunu after behaviour towards him
Football