McClean battles Derry City over contract amid injury dispute

James McClean, the 37‑year‑old winger, says he is living through ‘one of the most difficult periods of his life’ as Derry City continue to seek termination of his contract, a dispute that has kept him out of action since July.

Return in January and subsequent exclusion

McClean rejoined Derry City in January after leaving Wrexham, but the club have been trying to end his contract since the summer. He has not featured for the team since July, when a Getty‑photographed match was his last appearance.

PFA Ireland steps in

The Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland issued a statement on his behalf, confirming that McClean has been dealing with a hip injury that caused intermittent absences. He has trained fully for the past nine weeks and even played in an internal club match.

Legal basis of the club’s claim

Derry City allegedly invoked Section 18 of the Standard Players Contract, which permits termination with six months’ notice if a player is deemed permanently incapacitated by an agreed independent physician. No medical professional has yet concluded that McClean is permanently unable to play.

Orthopaedic surgeon Mr Desmond Gibson, who examined McClean at the club’s request on 21 September, stated the player can continue playing provided he does not experience severe pain. McClean is reported to be pain‑free, willing and anxious to return.

McClean’s own words

In his statement, McClean stressed he will not be forced into retirement, adding that he uprooted his family mid‑school year to honour commitments made when he signed for Derry City. He apologised for any misjudged actions and reiterated his respect for the club and its supporters.

He warned that attempting to terminate a contract without due process sets a dangerous precedent for other players in the league. McClean, who made 108 appearances for Wrexham and helped them win League One, believes he still has much to offer Derry City.