Updated / Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 13:45
James McClean's second spell at Derry City has come to an end after the player and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
The Republic of Ireland centurion returned to his hometown club ahead of the 2026 season but has not played for the Candystripes since July as the relationship between both parties deteriorated.
The following month it was reported that Derry had attempted to cancel McClean's contract on the grounds of his physical condition.
McClean recently released a statement through the PFAI saying that the club had attempted to terminate his contract, describing the move as "incomprehensible" and "setting a dangerous precedent."
He described his period of exile from the squad as "one of the most difficult periods of my life, personally and professionally."
However, on Wednesday, Derry City and McClean confirmed that an agreement has been reached to mutually terminate his contract.
"I am pleased that we have reached a resolution to settle these matters," McClean said in a statement published on the club's official website.
"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. I want to thank the fans for their support, and I wish the squad, the management, staff, and the supporters the very best for the future. In particular, I want to wish the team the best of luck in the FAI Cup Final against Waterford FC."
Speaking on behalf of Derry City, the club's chairman Philip O'Doherty said: "On behalf of everyone at Derry City, I want to thank James for his dedication to his hometown club," he said.
"His achievements extend far beyond the Brandywell; amassing 103 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland is a remarkable milestone, and we want to formally acknowledge his immense contribution to Irish football as a whole. We wish him the very best for the future.
"Neither the club nor James McClean will be making any further comment on this matter."
McClean's first spell at hometown Derry ran from 2008 to 2011 when he signed for Sunderland.
The Candystripes have secured a top-half finish in this season's SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division and will have a chance to qualify for Europe when they take on Waterford in the Club Orange Men's FAI Cup final next Sunday, 8 November at Aviva Stadium.
McClean had told RTÉ Radio 1's Inside Sport in an extensive interview on Tuesday that he had "no interest" in attending the match.
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Source: RTÉ News · RTÉ Sport
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