Former Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has left Derry City after his contract was terminated by mutual consent on Wednesday. The 37-year-old had not featured for the club since July.
Former Derry City striker Liam Coyle said the exit did not come as "any real surprise" following a breakdown in relations between McClean and the club over the past three to four months. Coyle, who won two league titles with Derry, believes the decision suits both parties as the club prepares for the FAI Cup final against Waterford on 8 November.
"Over the last three or four months there's been a real breakdown between himself and the club," Coyle said. "The ex-manager and then the new manager has come in and it was always going to be on the cards that James was leaving at some stage."
McClean rejoined Derry in January after spells at Sunderland, Wigan, West Brom, Stoke and Wrexham. The move quickly turned sour, with McClean previously describing an earlier attempt to terminate his contract as "incomprehensible" and his exile from the squad as "one of the most difficult periods in my life."
In a joint statement, the club and McClean said they are "satisfied with the outcome and are pleased to move forward constructively." Coyle expressed disappointment that the dispute played out publicly and noted it is a sad end to what was meant to be a welcome homecoming for the 103-cap Ireland international.
