James McClean's second spell at Derry City has ended in a settlement. The club and the 37-year-old agreed on Wednesday to terminate his contract with immediate effect, bringing a difficult few months to a close a week before the FAI Cup final.
A Return That Never Settled
McClean went back to his hometown club from Wrexham in January. It did not go to plan. He had not been in a matchday squad since July, and earlier this month he described an attempt by Derry to terminate his contract as "incomprehensible". He also called his exile from the squad one of the most difficult periods of his life, personally and professionally.
A charity offered to meet him over comments he made about therapy, a story that ran in the middle of the dispute. Against that background, the joint statement released on Wednesday felt like relief for both sides. The club and player said they were satisfied with the outcome and pleased to move forward constructively.
Warm Words on the Way Out
McClean said he was glad to have reached a resolution. His return, he admitted, did not work out as he had hoped, but he said Derry City will always hold a special place in his heart. He thanked supporters and wished the squad, management and staff the best.
Chairman Philip O'Doherty thanked him for his dedication to his hometown club and made a point of recognising the 103 senior caps he won for the Republic of Ireland, calling them a remarkable milestone for Irish football.
What the Career Looked Like
McClean started out at Institute and joined Derry in 2008. Three years at the Brandywell led to a move to Sunderland in 2011, and he spent almost 15 years in the English Football League and Premier League, with spells at Wigan, West Brom, Stoke and Wrexham along the way.
Derry have no time to dwell on the departure. They travel to Sligo Rovers on Friday for their final League of Ireland Premier Division game of the season, kick-off 19:45 GMT, and then meet Waterford in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium on 8 November. McClean has wished the team luck for that one, and it is a game he will now watch from the outside.
Club context: James McClean, 37, left Derry City by mutual consent with immediate effect. Derry play Sligo Rovers on Friday (19:45 GMT) and face Waterford in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium on 8 November. Source reporting: BBC Sport.
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