Sports
James McClean’s Post After Leaving Wrexham Angers English Football Fans
James McClean, who has returned to Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division, bid farewell to the Wrexham crowd following the Welsh side’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City. A divisive character, the left midfielder’s actions as he leaves English football after 15 years of service have angered fans one last time.
The Derry native, who has played for the likes of Wigan Athletic, Stoke City and Sunderland across the last decade and a half, has previously played for the Candystripes (between 2008 and 2011) and he’ll now spend the twilight period of his career at the club who nurtured him from a young age.
It marks the start of the end for a player who has rubbed supporters up the wrong way since first moving to England in 2011 – and much of the anger is centred around the fact he chooses not to wear a poppy and stands away from his teammates during the minutes’ silence for Remembrance Day celebrations.
James McClean’s Final Act, Following Wrexham Derparture, Angers Supporters
The reason why McClean – a 104-cap, 11-goal Republic of Ireland international – doesn’t get involved in a minutes’ silence on Remembrance Day and ignores the poppy-wearing antics stems from a perceived disrespect of the Irish soldiers who lost their lives fighting against the British for his home nation.
“Please understand, Mr Whelan, that when you come from Creggan like myself or the Bogside, Brandywell or the majority of places in Derry, every person still lives in the shadow of one of the darkest days in Ireland’s history – even if, like me, you were born nearly 20 years after the event. It is just a part of who we are, ingrained into us from birth,” he once wrote in an open letter to Wigan owner Dave Whelan.
“For me to wear a poppy would be as much a gesture of disrespect for the innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles – and Bloody Sunday especially – as I have in the past been accused of disrespecting the victims of WWl and WWII. It would be seen as an act of disrespect to those people; to my people.”
As a result, he has been an unpopular figure during his lengthy spell in English football – starting with Sunderland in 2011 and concluding with his move from Wigan to Wrexham in 2023. Subject to abuse from away fans, especially, McClean ensured to get the last laugh as he moves back to Derry City.
McClean, taking to his Instagram story, bid farewell to the ‘away fans of the years’ following the Welsh side’s 1-1 draw with Leicester City. “To all the away fans of the years, f*** you and good riddance… it’s been a laugh,” he wrote alongside a picture of him sticking his middle fingers up to the Leicester supporters.
Before that, he had posted a picture of him clapping the home contingent for their ever-growing support. “Thank you for the send-off Wrexham fans… been class,” the 36-year-old midfielder wrote. By virtue of the fact that he is no longer a player governed by the Football Association (FA), the seasoned wide man looks set to escape punishment, but fans are still fuming about his post-match actions.
“We know some defend him, some like him and some don’t understand the hate (yes really) But as far we are concerned, he brings it all on himself and has done since day one, and he couldn’t even help himself tonight. Sums him up,” one fan wrote as another added: “That’s the player and more importantly the human being he is, a very unlikeable person to say the least.” Claiming that he clearly cares, a final fan wrote:
“Nothing says he’s bothered by all the away fans stick quite like posting on Instagram and sticking your middle fingers up at the Leicester fans in your last appearance – and then claiming it was all a laugh.”
McClean’s Wife Claims Family Are ‘Closing The Door’ On Abuse
McClean’s contract was set to expire in the summer of 2027 – but recent discussions with Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson meant that a January move away was signed, sealed and delivered. He was named captain in 2024 and played 108 times, including 19 in all competitions this season, for the Hollywood-backed club.
The wife of James, Erin McClean, has said the family will be “closing the door” on the abuse they endured in England as they prepare to move back to their home city of Londonderry.
|
James McClean – Club Career Statistics |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Club |
Matches |
Goals |
Assists |
Yellow/Red Cards |
|
Wigan Athletic |
171 |
23 |
27 |
36/3 |
|
West Bromwich Albion |
112 |
5 |
5 |
27/1 |
|
Stoke City |
111 |
12 |
19 |
30/0 |
|
Wrexham |
108 |
8 |
23 |
29/0 |
|
Derry City |
88 |
20 |
13 |
10/0 |
|
Sunderland |
70 |
11 |
6 |
7/0 |
“It’s a mixture of emotions, we are so excited to get home,” she said, per a report from BBC Sport. “It’s something we always wanted to do is settle back. It’s just happened a bit quicker than we anticipated. We have built a life here for 15 years and made great friends, so we are sad but also excited. The move to Derry would be a new beginning for the couple and their children, but one they always intended to make.
“They [her children] started their school journeys in the house we are currently in, eight years ago. This is home to them. They are so excited to see their cousins and family, so it is harder for them as they are so settled. But they have always known this is going to happen so we are trying to prepare them the best we can.”
The anger from opposition supporters did reach a point where some fans took their actions too far and the English Football League (EFL), as a result, gave McClean special dispensation to skirt around the rule which forced players to exit the field from the nearest touchline. Moving back to Derry, a city they are familiar with, will allow them to live their life how they want.
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 21/01/2026
Sports
Tottenham Offer Guglielmo Vicario For Gleison Bremer Swap Deal
Tottenham are incredibly busy in the summer transfer window already, but Tuttosport reports that a surprise swap deal could now be on the cards.
It comes as Spurs are looking to rebuild the squad to improve on their recent disappointing campaigns in the Premier League, with an initial focus on the backline.
Andy Robertson has been announced as the first deal of the summer, joining from Liverpool at the end of his contract, while Marcos Senesi is set to join shortly after on a free transfer from Bournemouth.
A new contract for Ben Davies keeps even more depth and leadership in the squad, while work is underway to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.
Despite that, another centre-back could be on the cards in a surprise swap deal.
Gleison Bremer Swap Deal
According to reports from Tuttosport, Tottenham are interested in a move for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer as an option to replace Cristian Romero this summer.
It’s claimed that Roberto De Zerbi is keen on the ‘monster’ centre-back, having seen his work during his time at Sassuolo, while the Brazilian is also open to a potential exit from Juventus.
A €58 million (£50 million) release clause exists in the 29-year-old’s deal that the Bianconeri can point to in transfer discussions, but Spurs may have a trick of their own.
The report adds that Tottenham are trying to lower that valuation in transfer discussions by offering Guglielmo Vicario as an option, in what could be a potential swap deal if discussions moved in that direction.
The goalkeeper has been linked with an exit from the North London club this summer, and has been outlined as a potential target for Juventus.
A €20 million (£17.25 million) has been placed on the Italian goalkeeper, and while the interest in Bremer may not necessarily lead to a swap deal, it is suggested as an option for Spurs.
It remains to be seen whether it is possible, but it would be quite a surprise move for the Lilywhites, for several different reasons.
You scored
out of 20
Bremer Transfer Surprise
While Bremer has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, a switch to Tottenham this summer would come as something of a surprise.
Even with exits expected for Romero and Radu Dragusin, Spurs are set to have plenty of centre-back options if they can get their current targets through the door.
Senesi and Van Hecke would be competing with the likes of Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Luka Vuskovic for minutes, while the pairing of Robertson and Davies could also function on the left-side of the central pair.
Throwing Bremer into the mix would only unbalance things even further, not least when Tottenham don’t have the schedule to justify such strength in depth for one specific area.
Alongside Savinho: Tottenham Set to Submit £60m Bid to Sign Top Star for De Zerbi
Spurs are already making waves in the summer transfer window
Adding Vicario in for a potential swap deal may also be a surprise, as Spurs would likely reinvest anything into another goalkeeper to compete with Antonin Kinsky.
The goalkeeper does look set for an exit, however, even despite De Zerbi describing Vicario as a “top player” during his stint at the club so far.
Even if that is the case, he may not end up at Juventus, because recent reports have suggested that their priority will be Aston Villa ace Emiliano Martinez.
It remains to be seen if there is a twist in the tale that will see a swap deal occur, but it would be quite the surprise if so.
Sports
Premier League Clubs Plan to Sue if Man City Found Guilty of 115 Charges
It has been revealed this week that Everton must pay £40m to Burnley after The Toffees lost a legal battle over PSR issues. Following this financial punishment of one Premier League club, the potential outcome of Manchester City’s 115 charges case has also come into focus.
The Etihad outfit are alleged to have violated financial regulations and could face severe punishment. While point deductions, fines and transfer bans have been discussed, there will also be a key focus on what action rival Premier League sides will take if Man City are found guilty.
In the recent case between Everton and Burnley, the Clarets argued that if the points deduction had happened in 2022 – the year they were relegated – Everton would have gone down instead. This would have obviously had a major impact on the two clubs’ finances, hence why further retrospective punishment was taken this week, with the Toffees told to pay out £40m.
Every Premier League Winner if Man City Are Stripped of Titles – Arsenal Won’t Get Any
Several teams could win belated league titles if Man City are found guilty over their 115 charges, but Mikel Arteta’s men still wouldn’t get a trophy.
Everton Punishment Could Set Legal Precedent
The Everton punishment news was broken by The Lawyer. That same outlet has also revealed how this could be a sign of things to come with regard to the Man City case. A report notes:
“The Premier League’s rules allow for clubs to seek compensation from other clubs for rule breaches that cause them loss.” While adding: “Damages in these cases are typically calculated by taking into account the value of the lost opportunity and the likelihood of success.”
As such, some Premier League clubs may well aim to seek compensation from Manchester City if they are found guilty of any breaches. The article said ‘Manchester City and its rivals will be closely following the appeal and any legal precedent it sets’ before then explaining what those teams are planning to do, should the opportunity arise:
“Several Premier League clubs are understood to have lined up legal counsel to sue City for compensation, should it be found to have breached League rules in the 115 charges case brought against it.”
How Premier League Clubs Could Sue Man City For Millions
As an example of how one Premier League side could look to sue Man City for compensation, SheWore have written up a hypothetical for what some teams could be owed. The article notes that ‘based on the Burnley judgement, both Arsenal and Manchester United could make the case that they suffered a loss of earnings due to Man City finishing ahead of them.’
As Premier League teams get ‘prize money’ depending on where they finish, certain clubs could well argue that they have missed out on millions due to Man City’s alleged crimes. For example, SheWore point out that Man City finished fourth in 2015/16, level on points with Manchester United but above them on goal difference. As such, they qualified for the Champions League ahead of their rivals, earning £50m from being in the competition the next year.
As the 115 charges relate largely to a range of alleged financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, should they be found guilty, there could be a huge number of cases made against Man City with regard to retrospective compensation. It remains unclear when a verdict will be reached, but certain insiders expect it to be soon.
You scored
out of 20
Sports
Man Utd Face Transfer Concern For Sandro Tonali As AC Milan Eye Deal
Manchester United face a battle to land one of their key targets in the summer transfer window, as TEAMtalk reports of another team entering the race to seal their signature.
It comes as the Red Devils are looking to bolster the midfield ranks this summer, as Ederson is set to join from Atalanta as one of a few additions expected in the centre of the pitch.
There are plenty of options on the cards, with confidence that the club could land Elliot Anderson ahead of their rivals Manchester City, while links continue to emerge over interest for the likes of Alex Scott, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba.
United are already facing a transfer hijack from Real Madrid after Jose Mourinho asked his new club to sign United target Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, and it might not be theonly one.
Then there’s the future of Sandro Tonali to consider, with Man United firmly in the race for the Newcastle star valued at £100 million, but there is fresh competition for his signature.
AC Milan Join Sandro Tonali Race
As Man United line up a potential deal for Tonali this summer, they may be met with some fierce competition, as TeamTalk reports that the midfielder’s former side AC Milan view a pathway to landing the star.
It’s stated that the Rossoneri are keen on a return, but the Italian international’s camp are frustrated by the club’s delay in putting a new leadership team in place.
AC Milan dismissed Massimiliano Allegri, along with much of the sporting structure behind him, leaving the club in search of a fresh plan after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
While that process to hire a new head coach and sporting director is ongoing, there is belief that a return to the San Siro could be on the cards for Tonali.
The £100 million price tag could prove prohibitive, but the report claims that AC Milan are looking at deal structures that could write off previous transfer fees owed to the club from Newcastle for deals involving Tonali and Malick Thiaw.
It’s unclear how successful that will be, but Tonali’s preference appears to be a return to his former club, if he is to leave the Magpies this summer.
That comes as a potential blow for Man United, who have been tracking a deal for the 26-year-old as a potential key target for the summer window.
You scored
out of 20
Michael Carrick’s Midfield Focus
While the midfield will be a focus for Manchester United, there should also be a priority in signing players with the right attitude to joining the club.
The Red Devils cannot afford to have players who don’t want to join the club, with Tonali’s preference to joining AC Milan making it clear where his priorities stand.
While United seemingly have the upper hand, with more money to spend than the Rossoneri, as well as a clear structure in place, a move for the midfielder is likely to take time, if he waits to see the outcome of their rebuild.
It would be a deal for a player described as a “superstar”, but one that may not come with the same level of buy-in that Man United could get elsewhere.
Man Utd Exploring Move to Sign Next Declan Rice with £25m Discount
Carrick needs to find a replacement for Casemiro in the heart of his Man Utd midfield this summer
With that in mind, attention should turn towards players who can join quickly, and with a desire to play at Old Trafford to be part of the new project.
That buy-in will help Carrick continue to build the foundations that have got the club back into the Champions League, with aims of going even further in the future.
-
Sports1 day agoSimon Jordan Defends the US Decision to Ban World Cup Referee
-
Sports1 day agoIan Wright’s Reaction to Ref Being Denied Entry to the US Goes Viral
-
Sports2 days agoMan Utd Preparing Offer to Sign Tottenham Star Cristian Romero
-
Metro1 day agoAbia community mourns as auto accidents claim two indigenes
-
Sports23 hours agoWhy Lewis Hamilton Stopped Speaking to Martin Brundle at F1 Races
-
Sports2 days agoDejan Lovren Slams Jamie Carragher’s Criticism of Mohamed Salah
-
Sports2 days agoChristian Eriksen Issues Statement After Collapsing on Pitch
-
Politics2 days ago2027: More trouble for Atiku as Gov Bindow allegedly plans to leave ADC for APC



