James McClean and Derry City Agree to Immediate Contract Termination
James McClean and Derry City mutually agreed to terminate the 37-year-old midfielder’s contract with immediate effect on Wednesday, ending a prolonged squad exile at the Brandywell Stadium. The departure resolves a high-profile dispute that kept the former Republic of Ireland international out of matchday squads since July.
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The mutual termination removes a significant squad distraction as the League of Ireland club prepares for the upcoming FAI Cup final against Waterford on November 8. McClean returns to free agency after rejoining his hometown club from Wrexham in January.
Derry City chairman Philip O’Doherty thanked the veteran player for his dedication, noting his 103 senior international caps and contributions to Irish football. The club closes out its League of Ireland Premier Division campaign with a fixture against Sligo Rovers on Friday before shifting focus to the national cup decider at Aviva Stadium.
“I am pleased that we have reached a resolution to settle these matters,” McClean said in a joint statement. “While my return to the club did not work out as I had hoped, Derry City FC will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Reporting by BBC.