Derry City's James McClean Faces Bitter Dispute Over Contract
Derry City's attempts to sack James McClean have descended into a bitter dispute between the Ireland centurion and his hometown club. The 37-year-old's two-year contract has been terminated just 17 games and 1049 minutes into his League of Ireland comeback.
What Happened?
McClean's contract was aborted due to concerns over his fitness, which he himself admitted in May could have caused retirement. Additionally, there's an uneasiness about his social media activity drawing negativity on the club he started out his professional career at as a teenager.
Why It Matters for Derry City
The club's billionaire owner Philip O'Doherty has decided to terminate McClean's contract, which has led to a power struggle between the two parties. O'Doherty's sacking of manager Tiernan Lynch was perceived as an indication of support for McClean, but the club's issues with their star player were already in train.
What Comes Next?
The situation will come to a head when the squad reunite for the first time since the win over Sligo Rovers on Wednesday morning. Although McClean has been instructed to stay away from club activities while negotiations regarding a severance package are ongoing, it has been reported that he's determined to show up.
The winger who won 103 caps for Ireland has often been lauded for his outspoken views, especially in response to the flak he shipped for refusing to wear the poppy during his time in England. However, this year's takes haven't been universally welcomed. He alluded to broken promises about his comeback when requested to summarise it during World Cup punditry duties for RTÉ in June.
McClean's recent social media activity has also raised eyebrows, with him liking a tweet on X confirming the end of Tiernan Lynch's spell as manager. Two days later, on the night of Mark Connolly's first game as caretaker manager against Sligo Rovers, McClean's latest Instagram post showed him watching Wrexham, the club he left to rejoin Derry.
The situation is set to continue, with McClean determined to show up to the squad reunion despite being instructed to stay away. The club's issues with their star player are already in train, and the power struggle between the two parties is set to come to a head.
Derry City are currently 2nd in the League of Ireland Premier, 63 points from 36 games, with a recent form of WWWWD. They are 3 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers and have scored 52 goals this season, conceding 39. Their next fixture is against UCD on August 14th.
