Please find attached the statement on James McClean, who says he has been treated in a way he can’t understand by the club.
The PFA of Ireland has shared a statement on behalf of James McClean, where he speaks out about what he calls the ‘incomprehensible’ way his current club, Derry City, has treated him.
Earlier this year, McClean left Wrexham to return to his hometown, Derry. Although Derry is in Northern Ireland, the club plays in the Republic of Ireland’s league because of historical reasons during The Troubles.
Since coming back, the 37-year-old has played in 20 games across all competitions but hasn’t appeared since July due to a contract disagreement with the club. In August, reports said his contract was ended, but McClean kept going to training. Now, the PFA Ireland and McClean have released a longer statement criticizing Derry City for how they’ve handled things.
The PFA explained they’re helping McClean with a dispute over his contract, which started when the club chairman tried to end it. McClean has had some issues with a hip injury that made him miss some matches, but he is now fully recovered.
The statement says the PFA’s lawyer has been in long talks with the club, which revealed that they tried to use a rarely known rule in McClean’s contract. This rule says if a player is declared permanently unable to play by an agreed independent doctor, the club can end the contract with six months’ notice. But no doctor has made that decision.
In fact, a surgeon who examined him recently said he can keep playing as long as he doesn’t feel severe pain—which McClean does not. He is ready and eager to get back on the pitch for Derry City.
The PFA also points out that the club should take good care of James, especially since they signed him without a proper medical check. They hope this situation can be sorted in a fair and friendly way so James can play again for the club he cares about.
James McClean shared his thoughts too: “This has been one of the hardest times in my life, both on and off the field. I know some of my actions recently were not the best, and I should have handled things privately. I’m sorry for that. Derry City is my club, and I care deeply about everyone involved.”
He added, “I was asked to help improve the club and use my experience to raise standards. I did my best, but I felt my views weren’t really welcomed. I don’t understand how the club could try to end my contract without good reason or proper process—that just doesn’t seem right, and it could set a bad example for other players in the league.
I’m not permanently injured or anything close to it. I’m fit, work hard, and want to play just as much as anyone else. I’ll decide when to retire—not the club or anyone else. When that time comes, my body will tell me. This is my life and career, and I deserve to be treated fairly, just like other players at Derry City. I’m ready to play whenever I’m needed.”
Derry City responded to these comments by saying, “We note the statement made by the PFA Ireland on behalf of James McClean on 6 October 2026. The club was not informed before this was made public, especially just days before our biggest match of the season.
We appreciate James admitting some of his actions were off and that his frustrations should have stayed within the club. We have tried to handle this matter privately out of respect for James and because it involves sensitive medical information about his hip.
While the PFA and James have shared parts of the medical advice, we won’t comment further on his current medical condition. The club knows its responsibilities to all players. Everyone deemed fully fit can be selected to play, and match choices are up to the management team, guided by our medical staff.”