James McClean leaves Derry City after contract dispute

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 28 Oct, 21:10 · Archive

James McClean has terminated his contract with Derry City by mutual consent after a dispute with the club.

James McClean's contract with Derry City has been terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect, ending a dispute between the player and his hometown club. The 37-year-old had not been included in a matchday squad since July after returning to the club from Wrexham in January.

Earlier this month, McClean had criticised the club's attempt to terminate his deal, describing it as 'incomprehensible' and saying his exclusion from the squad was 'one of the most difficult periods in my life, personally and professionally'. The Daily Mail reports the club had claimed he was 'permanently incapacitated'. He had two years remaining on his contract.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday, both parties said they were 'satisfied with the outcome and are pleased to move forward constructively'. McClean said: 'While my return to the club did not work out as I had hoped, Derry City FC will always hold a special place in my heart.' He thanked the fans and wished the squad and management well, particularly for the FAI Cup final against Waterford on 8 November. Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty thanked McClean for his dedication and acknowledged his 103 senior caps for Ireland as 'a remarkable milestone'.

How it is being reported

• McClean's Derry exit not 'any real surprise' - CoyleFormer Derry City striker Liam Coyle says that James McClean's exit from the club does not come as "any real surprise" after it was announced on Wednesday that his contract had been terminated by mutual consent with immediate effect.BBC Sport · 28 Oct, 20:27
• Derry City TEAR UP James McClean's contract: Poppy protest footballer's nightmare return to childhood club comes to an end amid claims he was 'permanently incapacitated'The ugly dispute between James McClean and Derry City is finally over after his contract was torn up. It is a sorry end to what was supposed to be a fairytale homecoming.Daily Mail Sport · 28 Oct, 14:36
• McClean leaves Derry City after contract disputeJames McClean says Derry City "will always hold a special place in my heart" after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with immediate effect.BBC Sport · 28 Oct, 13:25

In this story: James McClean · Derry City · Republic of Ireland · Wrexham · Waterford · Philip O'Doherty

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log