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.
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James McClean – Club Career Statistics
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Club
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Matches
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Goals
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Assists
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Yellow/Red Cards
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Wigan Athletic
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171
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23
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27
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36/3
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West Bromwich Albion
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112
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5
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5
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27/1
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Stoke City
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111
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12
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19
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30/0
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Wrexham
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108
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8
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23
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29/0
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Derry City
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88
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20
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13
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10/0
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Sunderland
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70
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11
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6
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7/0
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“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
