James McClean at odds with Derry City over therapy comments

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 14:02 · Archive

Footballer James McClean told a newspaper he views therapy as 'weak', prompting a men's mental health charity to offer to meet him.

James McClean, a Derry City player currently involved in a contract dispute with the club, told the Sunday Independent he would view speaking to a psychologist as 'weak'. He made the comments during an interview covering his new book, which details social media abuse he has faced for refusing to wear a poppy and death threats he has received.

McClean said he had heard his brother Patrick, also a Derry City player, 'on a call to a club psychologist, having a lovely chat', but added: 'For me that's just weak. As a man, I see that as weakness. I don't need to open up.' His wife had previously told him he had 'built-up anger and frustration' that he had blocked out.

Men's Action Network (MAN), based in Londonderry, has offered to meet McClean to discuss the importance of encouraging all men to feel comfortable seeking support when they need it. McClean, a former player for Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City, also described his 'painful' fallout with Derry City as potentially 'a blessing in disguise' as he plans for 'a new challenge' in boxing.

James McClean at odds with Derry City over therapy comments — Image: BBC Northern Ireland

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How it is being reported

Charity offers to meet James McClean over therapy commentsMichael Lynch, from Men's Action Network (MAN) offered to meet the Derry City footballer James McClean.BBC Northern Ireland · 19 Oct, 13:25
My Derry City fall-out could be a blessing say James McCleanJAMES McClean believes his 'painful' fallout with Derry City Football Club could be 'a blessing in disguise' as the Ireland centurion plans for a 'new challenge' in boxing.Derry Journal · 19 Oct, 12:56

In this story: James McClean · Derry City · Men's Action Network · Patrick McClean · Londonderry

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