“ James McClean “

Club captain McClean leaves Wrexham


James McClean has also played for West Brom, Sunderland and Stoke City


Over the years he has received serious abuse and threats over his stance on the poppy, which he refuses to wear on Remembrance Day, due to the British Army's action during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.


He often states, "For me to wear a poppy... it frustrates me how people can't see that," he explains.



January 2026

Club captain James McClean has left Championship Wrexham to join Derry City.
McClean's Wrexham contract was not due to expire until the summer of 2027 but he has secured a return to hometown club Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
The 36-year-old former Republic of Ireland wideman made more than 100 appearances for Wrexham in all competitions, scoring eight goals.


"Jimmy had an opportunity to go back to Ireland and I had a good chat with him last week," said Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson.
"The time's right for him and his family. He always wanted to settle back in his hometown and he's got the opportunity to go and finish his career there.
"He's been a great servant for us and I've really enjoyed working with him.
"He's been an important player over the last few years with his drive, determination, his mentality and professionalism and we wish him and his family all the best."



Prior to Wrexham's 2-1 loss to Norwich City, the Welsh side's CEO Mike Williamson confirmed McClean - who played a key role in two promotions in north Wales - was set to leave the club.

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James McClean on his Instagram story tonight after saying farewell to Wrexham fans, he sticks his fingers up to Leicester fans on his way down the tunnel..

We know some defend him, some like him and some don't understand the hate he has for Britain.

James McClean on his Instagram story tonight after saying farewell to Wrexham fans, he sticks his fingers up to Leicester fans on his way down the tunnel..

We know some defend him, some like him and some don't understand the hate he has for Britain.

He wasn’t even born during the Troubles in Ulster, hates anything British, then plays in the English league.

James McClean on his Instagram story tonight after saying farewell to Wrexham fans, he sticks his fingers up to Leicester fans on his way down the tunnel..

We know some defend him, some like him and some don't understand the hate he has for Britain.

He wasn’t even born during the Troubles in Ulster, hates anything British, then plays in the English league.

Certainly not ‘nationalistic’ enough to turn down the ‘King’s shilling’, Jock!

#HypocrisyRulesintheMcLeanHousehold

James McClean on his Instagram story tonight after saying farewell to Wrexham fans, he sticks his fingers up to Leicester fans on his way down the tunnel..

We know some defend him, some like him and some don't understand the hate he has for Britain.

He wasn’t even born during the Troubles in Ulster, hates anything British, then plays in the English league.

Certainly not ‘nationalistic’ enough to turn down the ‘King’s shilling’, Jock!

#HypocrisyRulesintheMcLeanHousehold

Absolutely, took the Crowns money

I personally have no issue with his belief and why he does not wear the poppy, its his choice and his reasons for it, he has never stated he hates the UK or living here just the fact why he doesn't which is inline with with other Republicans living in/from Londonderry (Derry). There are far more hypocrites in our own Parliament who do wear a Poppy whilst at the same signing off for Veterans to be hounded from their time in the Province.

Don't rate him as a footballer though.

As an ex-soldier, who was on the streets and on the border of N Ireland back in the troubles, he can do one as far as I'm concerned.

That simple poppy represents millions of lives that were given for our freedom.

Not through terrorism, dressed in civilian clothes.

Glad to see the back of him from these shores. Horrible man.

Horrible nasty player who kicks an opponent in the head when he's on the ground & 5 minutes later elbows another in the back of the head. Should have been banned from the game a long time ago.

As an ex-soldier, who was on the streets and on the border of N Ireland back in the troubles, he can do one as far as I'm concerned.

That simple poppy represents millions of lives that were given for our freedom.

Not through terrorism, dressed in civilian clothes.

You should be more concerned with getting your kit packed ready for call up if your still under the age threshold and the Colours

A horrible nasty player but if it was not for his poppy stance nobody would have heard of him.

I had a Finance Director who came from Londonderry (his name for it), grew up through the troubles (late 50''s now) but wasn't quite normal. I don't think growing up in that environment you come out unscathed. He said his uncles mate was killed in the worse spell and the family carried that hate to this day. He left 30 years ago but says its still there 25 years after the peace deal. Its breed into them, like he was doing with his kids (McClean)

There is a bit of hypocrisy from the anti English club, playing in the English system for the "glory" rather than shilling.

Cxnt of a man . Fook the Ira

Biggest wind up merchant ever and got paid millions doing it. Now back home to an hero's welcome atevery ground he visits.
What a way to finish off his football career.
Best of irish luck to him.

P.s. he's not the only footballer to refuse to wear the poppy.