James McClean has left Derry City after the club and the player mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect, ending a second spell at his hometown club that began in January.
Contract dispute resolved
The 37-year-old former Republic of Ireland international had not been included in a matchday squad since July. Earlier in October, McClean described an earlier attempt by the club to terminate his contract as "incomprehensible" and said his exile from the squad was "one of the most difficult periods in my life, personally and professionally".
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, both parties said they are "satisfied with the outcome and are pleased to move forward constructively". McClean said: "I am pleased that we have reached a resolution to settle these matters. 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."
McClean also wished the team luck in the FAI Cup final against Waterford on 8 November.
Chairman acknowledges contribution
Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty thanked McClean "for his dedication to his hometown club". He added: "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."
Career background
McClean started his career at Institute before moving to Derry in 2008. He spent three years at the Brandywell before joining Sunderland in 2011. He then played nearly 15 years in the English Football League and Premier League for Wigan, West Brom, Stoke and Wrexham before rejoining Derry in January 2026.
Upcoming fixtures
Derry City travel to Sligo Rovers on Friday for their final League of Ireland Premier Division match of the season (19:45 GMT) before facing Waterford in the FAI Cup final at Aviva Stadium next week.
