James McClean Rules Out Attendance at Club Orange FAI Cup Final
Republic of Ireland centurion James McClean has no interest in attending the upcoming Club Orange FAI Cup final between Derry City and Waterford, stating plainly that the damage is done regarding his relationship with his hometown club. In an extensive interview on RTÉ Radio 1’s Inside Sport, McClean explained that he will instead take his son to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United when the Brandywell side plays the final on Sunday week. McClean has not featured for Derry City since July following a tumultuous period that included an attempt by the club in August to terminate his contract over his physical condition.
Contract Termination Dispute and PFAI Statement
The bitter fallout stems from August, when Derry City moved to cancel McClean’s playing deal. In response, McClean released a statement through the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) describing the club’s termination attempt as incomprehensible and setting a dangerous precedent. He characterized his exile from the squad as one of the most difficult periods of his personal and professional life. Despite Derry’s resurgence under interim manager Mark Connolly—who steered the team past Dundalk and Galway United to reach the final—McClean stated he would turn down an invitation to start even if the club offered him a full 90 minutes.
Support for Brother Patrick McClean Amid Brandywell Turmoil
While his own bond with the club remains fractured, McClean expressed pride in his brother and teammate, Patrick McClean, who has thrived during the turbulent campaign. Patrick earned Man of the Match honors in Derry’s 2-0 semi-final win away against Galway United. James McClean noted that his own difficult situation paradoxically helped his brother step out of his shadow. Before the background drama unfolded, James McClean maintained that Patrick was one of only two footballers—alongside his own son—whose career he wanted to surpass his own.
Addressing Past Comments on Stephen Kenny in New Autobiography
McClean also addressed revelations from his autobiography, The Walls, regarding former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny. In the book, McClean detailed Kenny’s motivational tactics and mentioned that players gave him the nickname ‘Mr Bean’. Clarifying his stance to RTÉ Radio 1, McClean emphasized that he holds no ill-feelings toward Kenny and actually defended him during difficult spells. McClean recalled that he vouched for Kenny when he took the Ireland job in 2020 and helped persuade the Football Association of Ireland to keep Kenny in charge following a controversial internal video produced ahead of a friendly against England at Wembley.
Frequently Asked Questions About James McClean and Derry City
Why has James McClean not played for Derry City recently?
McClean has not played for his hometown club since July. In August, Derry City attempted to terminate his contract on the grounds of his physical condition, sparking a dispute handled through the PFAI.
Who are Derry City playing in the FAI Cup final?
Derry City faces Waterford on Sunday week in the Club Orange FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium, following a revival under interim manager Mark Connolly.
What did James McClean say about his brother Patrick?
James McClean praised his brother Patrick for performing at an exceptionally high level and winning Man of the Match in the semi-final against Galway United despite the background turmoil surrounding the family name.
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